The Palestine Chronology

Israel offers to allow back 10 Palestinians mistakenly deported. The 10 say they would like to return immediately, but that the only crossing point has been mined by Israel. Israel offers to allow an intl. org. to escort them back through 1 of 3 Lebanese-controlled crossing points. (NYT 1/1; Qol Yisra'el 12/31 in FBIS 12/31, 1/4)

Lebanon rejects 12/30 French proposal to place the deported Palestinians under the provisional care of UNIFIL in Lebanese-controlled territory. PM Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Russian then U.S. amb. to Lebanon. (NYT 12/31; VOL 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Al-Quds reports that the Palestinian delegation to peace talks has unanimously rejected PM Rabin's 12/27 invitation to an informal meeting. (al-Quds 12/31 in FBIS 1/5)

Four Palestinian factions (PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima faction, PPSF, PLF) issue statement criticizing Palestinian leadership's 12/27 statement for its lack of a plan of political action to counter the 12/17 deportations. (QPAR 1/2 in FBIS 1/4)

PLO advisor and Palestinian delegation steering comm. head Nabil Shaath says the deportations and the peace process are "two battles which have to be led separately," and the Palestinians may have to "bring it [the deportations] to the table of negotiations." (AFP 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Ha'Aretz reports that the o.t. security service Shin Bet initially gave PM Rabin a list of 6 Hamas leaders to be deported, and came up with 1 more name when asked to expand the list. Shin Bet was later surprised at the scope of expulsions the IDF was then ordered to carry out. (WP 1/1; Ha'Aretz 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Israel expels 415 suspected Muslim activists, 251 from the West Bank, 164 from the Gaza Strip to Lebanon. High Court of Justice temporarily blocks the expulsions, then votes 5 to 2 to permit them. UNIFIL forces try to block buses carrying deportees from traveling through their territory. Lebanese army blocks the deportees from entering govt.- controlled territory, leaving them stranded between Israeli and Lebanese checkpoints. (WP 12/17, 12/18; Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon, VOL 12/17, 12/18 in FBIS 12/18; NYT 12/18)

Eighth round of Arab-Israeli peace talks ends. Arab parties boycott 12/17 meetings to protest deportations. PLO announces talks suspended until deportees allowed back. (Tunisian Republic Radio 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, WP 12/18)

Pres. Bush meets separately with all delegations involved in peace talks for 20-25 minutes each; he meets with Palestinians and Jordanians together, then with Jordanians alone for 15 minutes. (Radio Jordan 12/17 in FBIS 12/18)

Hamas denounces the expulsions as "total war"; their legitimate targets, previously limited to soldiers, now include "every Zionist in Palestine." Arab MKs condemn deportation ruling, threaten to withdraw support of governing coalition. UNLU issues supplement to call no. 90 condemning the deportations. (IDF Radio 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; AFP 12/17, Sanaa VOP 12/18 in FBIS 12/21)

U.S. State Department "strongly condemns the action of deportation". Pres.-elect Bill Clinton is critical, though not condemnatory of the expulsion. UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali asks Israel to "rescind the expulsion order." (NYT 12/18

"Extended Palestinian leadership" concludes 3-day meeting in Tunis. Decision on whether or not to participate in 12/7-17 round of negotiations is delayed until after consultations are held with Arab states, Moscow, and Washington. (AFP, MENA 11/23 in FBIS 11/24)

Ten Palestinian factions issue statement denouncing Israeli-Jordanian draft agenda, urging withdrawal from peace talks. (QPAR 11/23 in FBIS 11/25)

Israeli undercover unit shoots dead 12- year-old Palestinian boy near Jerusalem. (IDF Radio 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; MM 11/23; NYT 11/24)

In address to military graduates, King Hussein reiterates his call for democracy in Iraq, offers no apology to Gulf states for Jordan's stance in Gulf war, and warns Islamists not to use extremism to achieve political goals. (MM 11/23; RJN 11/23 in FBIS 11/24; NYT 11/24)

Israeli FM Shimon Peres invites Pres. Asad to meet with PM Rabin in speech to UN General Assembly. Rabin says summit is very desirable, but premature atthis point. (IDF Radio 10/1 in FBIS 10/2; WSJ 10/2)

IDF shoots, kills Palestinian youth near Janin, and wounds 2 trying to disperse demonstration of 1,500 Palestinians at Gaza military HQ. Strikes, protests, marches, and sit-ins throughout the o.t. have been staged and expanded since 9/27 in solidarity with 5,000 prisoners on hunger strike in 10 Israeli jails. Faisal Husseini says PLO discouraged the strike. (Qol Yisra'el 10/1 in FBIS 10/8; MM 10/1, 10/2)

Acting U.S. Secy. of State Eagleburger sends letter to Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations announcing arenewed U.S. campaign to end the Arab boycott againstrade with Israel, to be coordinated with similar European efforts. Letter follows 9/24 meeting between Conference leaders and White House Chief of Staff James Baker (see 10/11). (WP 10/12)

Qatar suspends 1965 border agreement with Saudi Arabia, reports that Saudi forces have seized the disputed border post of al-Khafus. Saudi Arabia denies seizure. (MM 10/1; SPA, AFP, Radio Qatar 10/1 in FBIS 10/2; NYT 10/2)

U.S. announces it will preposition $300 million worth of military equipment in Israel, and will transfer a number of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters to Israel under the terms of a 1990 pledge to "draw down" $900 million worth of unneeded U.S. equipment in Europe to Israel. (NYT, WP 9/27; MM 9/28)

Chmn. Arafat warns of Camp David-style separate peace between Israel and Syria. (Le Monde, AFP 9/26 in FBIS 9/28; MM 9/28)

Delegation of Palestinian mayors and public figures meets with King Hussein, expresses unity of the two banks of the Jordan River. (MM 9/28)

IDF shoots dead Palestinian youth near Bethlehem. (MM 9/28)

Pres. Bush meets with PM Rabin in Kennebunkport, ME, agrees "in principle" to support $10 billion loan guarantee request, "satisfied" with Rabin's progress on settlement curtailment. (NYT, WP 8/11)

Israeli cabinet condemns 8/9 settlement attempts in West Bank and East Jerusalem, resolves to investigate, "plug loopholes" that allow public funds to be used through private groups for "provocative" Jewish settlement in East Jerusalem. Cabinet also grants diplomatic status to EC rep. in charge of o.t. aid programs. (Qol Yisra'el, IDF Radio 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM 8/11)

U.S. announces that all parties have agreed to attend new round of peace talks in Washington 8/24. (NYT, WP 8/1 1)

Alleged mbr. of FRC (Abu-Nidal) Salam Muhammad Mukahal is killed by unidentified attackers in Biqa' Valley. FRC denies any connection with Mukahal. (AFP 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; Voice of the People 8/11 in FBIS 8/12)

Israeli soldiers surround al-Najah University in Nablus. Some 3,000-4,000 students and others refuse to submit to searches; IDF imposes curfew on Nablus and 4 nearby refugee camps. (WP 7/16; NYT 7/17)

PLO Exec. Comm. issues statement criticizing Rabin's "iron fist policy," and calling for int'l. action to lift the siege. (Algiers VOP 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Construction and housing min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer "cancel[s] endorsement" of approved but unsigned contracts for 3,000 housing units in the o.t. Council of Jewish Settlements of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza considers this a "declaration of war." (Qol Yisra'el, IDF Radio 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Fateh official Abu-Nidal al-Asmar narrowly escapes death as a bomb destroys his car in Sidon. (AFP 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Israeli undercover unit shoots dead Hamas-'Izz al-Din al-Qassim faction mbr. in Gaza City. (MM 7/16)

Amal claims an attack on an SLA patrol in al-Qantara, S. Lebanon, kills 6 Israeli soldiers and 1 Amal militiaman. SLA responds by shelling "security zone" border villages of al-Qantara, al-Qabrikha. (VOL 7/15 in FBIS 7/15; Radio Lebanon 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

PM Rabin "rules out" Palestinian legislative elections as outlined in Camp David Accords. (WP 7/16)

Pres. Herzog leaves for 2-day visit to Turkey, firstrip to Turkey by an Israeli president. (Qol Yisra'el 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Arye Bar, Israeli construction and housing min. dir. gen. meets with Fin. Min. Yitzhak Modai on behalf of hospitalized Housing Min. Ariel Sharon; Modai instructs treasury to approve construction of 4,000 new housing units in Israel and o.t. (Modai had earlier approved 2,000 of the housing min.'s 4,500-unit request.) Housing min. announces more than 16,000 housing units are in various stages of construction in o.t. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

Hamas members storm houses of Fateh members in Khan Yunis, wounding several. IDF opens fire on residents of Jabaliya, Dayr al-Balah camps, Gaza, wounding 3. (AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

Hizballah attacks Israeli intelligence position in Bint Jubayl (inside S. Lebanon "security zone"); Israel shells Litani River basin. Armed dispute in 'Ayn al-Hilwa camp near Sidon kills 2. (VOL, Voice of the Oppressed 7/6 in FBIS 7/6)

Israel releases 4 Palestinians into custody of Red Cross in Tyre, Lebanon. The 4 "Fateh activists" had served out sentences at Asqalan prison following their arrest 12/20/90 on a "suspicious vessel" (embarked in Cyprus) off the Lebanese coast. (Qol Yisra'el 7/5 in FBIS 7/6; AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/7)

Arab League Council concludes 2-day emergency meeting in Cairo to discuss situation in S. Lebanon; endorses 2 draft resolutions urging an end to Israeli aggression and promoting reconstruction, as well as a statement urging UNSC to resort to Chapter VII of UN Charter to halt Israeli aggression, implement res. 425. (MENA 7/5 in FBIS 7/7; MM 7/6)

Jordanian parliament passes law legalizing independent political parties; first multiparty elections since 1954 will be held in 11/93. (MM 7/6)

"Over 14,000" laborers from Gaza Strip arrive at jobs in Israel, according to ITV; figure is about half the normal number. (Qol Yisra'el 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Former Soviet Pres. Gorbachev criticizes PLO stance during Gulf war, does not plan to meet with Palestinian reps. (Palestinian delegation had not requested a meeting with Gorbachev, according to his spokesman.) (Qol Yisra'el 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Israeli aircraft launch mock raids over Sidon, Iqlim al-Tuffah region, S. Lebanon; helicopters fire tracer bullets over al-Rashidiyya camp. Palestinian and Lebanese forces respond with anti-aircraft fire. Security sources say 20 killed, 53 wounded in Israeli raids since 5/21. (AFP 6/15 in FBIS 6/15)

Iranian FM 'Ali Akbar Velayati meets with Lebanese FM Fans Buwayz in Beirut (first Iranian FM to visit Lebanon since 1979 Iranian revolution); Lebanon seeks Iranian help in restraining Islamic Resistance forces in south, fearing Israeli reprisals. (MM 6/3; AFP 6/4 in FBIS 6/5)

UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali expresses concern about fate of Palestinians in Gaza, which has been closed by IDF since 5/24. Butrus Ghali calls on Israel to "abide scrupulously" by Fourth Geneva Convention. (MM 6/3, 4)

Israel initiates unilateral direct-dial telephone service to Syria, Iraq, Libya. (MM 6/3)

Chmn. Arafat undergoes surgery in Amman to remove blood clot on his brain (a resuilt of 4/27 crash of Arafat's plane in Libya). (WP 6/2)

Lebanese press reports Syria has mobilized reserve troops following increased Israeli military actions in S., E. Lebanon. Syrian planes fly over Ba'labakk, E. Lebanon (Israeli planes bombed targets near Ba'labakk 5/26). (AFP, Al-Shira' 6/1 in FBIS 6/2)

In Jerusalem, 200,000 Israelis celebrate 25th anniversary of "reunificationf Jerusalem" in June 1967 (W. Bank residents were barred from Jerusalem for 24 hours). (NYT, MM 6/1)

Steering committee of multilateral peace talks begins meeting in Lisbon to discuss results of 5 sets of talks held during May. (Qol Yisra'el 5/27 in FBIS 5/28)

France announces it will provide $500 million in loan guarantees to Israel to assist in infrastructural development. (MM 5/28)

Police arrest 150 Jewish rioters in Bat Yam as anti-Arab riots continue. Rioters burn tires in the streets, attack police; 7 persons are injured. Faisal Husseini denounces 5/24 killing of Jewish girl which sparked the riots. (Qol Yisra'el 5/27, 5/28 in FBIS 5/28)

Gazan from Dayr al-Balah stabs and kills settler in Kfar Darom, Gaza. Settlers later rampage in Dayr al-Balah, damaging Palestinian crops and attacking residents. IDF evacuates schoolchildren after settlers besiege an elementary school. More than 100 settlers are arrested. IDF imposes curfew on Dayr al-Balah and extends travel ban imposed 5/24 for another 3days. (WP 5/28)

Bomb attack on IDF convoy near Arnun, S. Lebanon (near Beaufort Castle), kills 1 Israeli soldier. 3 guerrillas killed in subsequent gunbattle. Lebanese National Resistance Front claims associated fighters from PFLP, Syrian Social Nationalist Party-Higher Council (Da'ud Baz faction) carried out attack. IDF continue shelling S. Lebanese villages. (ITV 5/27, Radio Lebanon, AFP 5/27 in FBIS 5/28; WP 5/28)

Fateh, Hamas supporters clash in Qalqiliya, W. Bank. (Qol Yisra'el 5/28 in FBIS 5/28) Israel, Sierra Leone reestablish diplomatic relations. (Qol Yisra'el 5/27 in FBIS 5/27)

IDF declares state of alert in "security zone" and N. Israel as artillery and rocket attacks continue between Hizballah-led Islamic Resistance Movement and IDF, SLA forces in S. Lebanon. (MM 5/20)

International Committee of the Red Cross calls on Israel to halt mistreatment of detainees in o.t. (MM 5/21)

Jordan's acting PM notifies UNESCO that it has historical responsibility for maintaining Islamic shrines in East Jerusalem, states that all funds must be channeled through Jordan. Political battle deepens between Jordan and Saudi Arabia over which country will fund repairs to Islamic sites in Jerusalem (see 5/16, 5/18). Jordan also announces that Chmn. Arafat sent letter to King Hussein thanking him for pledging funds to restore the shrines. (AFP, Radio Jordan 5/20 in FBIS 5/21; MM 5/21)

Strike observed in o.t. to commemorate May 1990 killing of 7 Palestinians workers in Rishon le Zion by an Israeli soldier. (MM 5/20)

State Dept. indicates all parties to peace negotiations have agreed to resume talks 4/27 in Washington and have given the U.S. lists of proposed sites for the sixth round of talks. (WP 4/3)

State Dept. also announces 17-member U.S. inspection team that traveled to Israel found no evidence that Israel improperly transferred technology relating to U.S.-built Patriot missiles to China. Dept. indicates inspectors found all missiles supplied to Israel intact, but had no way of determining if photos or other information had been supplied to China. (WP 4/3)

Israel denies 4/1 State Dept. report suggesting it improperly transferred U.S. military technology to third countries. (MM 4/2)

Hundreds of Palestinians clash with security forces in Jabaliya, Burayj refugee camps in Gaza as protests over 4/1 killings in Gaza break out. At least 35 Palestinians are injured by security forces' gunfire. Rafah and nearby camps are curfewed. PLO announces it has requested the UN Sec. Council meet to discuss ways of protecting o.t. residents and that it has called on UN Secy. Gen. Ghali to dispatch observers to the o.t. (AFP, MM 4/2; MM 4/3)

Unified National Command of the Intifada issues proclamation no. 81 urging unity of Palestinian ranks and calling for a "revival" of the Old City of E. Jerusalem. (Voice of Palestine 4/2 in FBIS 4/3, 4/7)

16 IDF troops from a special unit established to combat the intifada desert their post in Rafah, Gaza, to protest conditions. (NYT 4/2; MM 4/3)

PLO issues open statement by Chmn. Arafat to the Palestinian people in which he defends peace talks, urges Palestinians to support the peace delegates. (MM 3/11)

Israeli diplomats in Cairo indicate FM Levy recently told Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa that Egypt should either charge 4 Israeli citizens held in Egypt for espionage or release them [3 Arabs of Libyan origin and 1 Jew, were detained in early February. Israel has denied spying on Egypt]. (AFP 3/10 in FBIS 3/11)

Detainee Muhammad 'Abd al-Fattah al-Hawrani, member of the steering committee of the Palestinian delegation to peace talks who was detained in February, is released from Ketziot-Ansar 3 detention camp [see 2/17]. Commander of Ketziot announces 300 prisoners will be released early during coming week to mark Islamic holy month of Ramadan. (MM 3/11; al-Nahar 3/11 in FBIS 3/12)

IDF kills Palestinian in Gaza City after he accidentally ran into army checkpoint. (MM 3/10)

Hanan Ashrawi, spokeswoman for Palestinian delegation, announces delegation will not participate in upcoming negotiations due to recent Israeli arrest of 2 persons associated with the delegation [see 2/17]. PLO confirms the announcement. (AFP 2/18 in FBIS 2/18)

Islamic Resistance Movement fires more rockets into N. Israel and the "security zone." IDF, SLA artillery return fire. SLA radio orders villagers living immediately north of "security zone" to evacuate their homes before 5:00 A.M. on 2/19. (IDF Radio, Radio Free Lebanon 2/18 in FBIS 2/19; MM 2/20)

Palestinian delegation to peace talks announces security forces have detained Muhammad 'Abd al-Fattah al-Hawrani and Jamal al-Shawbaki. The two were associated with the delegation, al-Shawbaki as delegate and al-Hawrani as a member of delegation's steering committee. (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Syria, Lebanon agree to attend fourth round of bilateral talks scheduled 2/24 in Washington. (MM 2/17)

Hasan Nasrallah elected new Hizballah gen. secy. Hizballah-led Islamic Resistance Movement fires 65 rockets into N. Israel and Israeli "security zone." IDF, SIA artillery bombard suspected Hizballah targets in S. Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 2/17, Voice of the Oppressed 2/18 in FBIS 2/18; WP 2/19)

Delegates from the eight signatories tothe March 1991 "Damascus Declaration" meet in Riyadh to discuss implementation of the declaration. (MM 2/18)

American pathologist dispatched to Israel by Physicians for Human Rights to take part in autopsy of Mustafa 'Akkawi states that while 'Akkawi died of cardiac arrest, conditions of his imprisonment contributed to his death. (MM 2/11; NYT 2/14)

Gunbattie between Fateh Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal) and IDF forces in S. Lebanon leaves 3 Palestinians dead, 2 Israelis wounded. (AFP 2/8, 2/9 in FBIS 2/11)