The Palestine Chronology

Cairo talks btwn. Israel, Palestinians continue, Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath saying progress made on extending self-rule in West Bank.  (WT 7/28)

PNA official Nabil Shaath criticizes Washington Declaration clause on Jerusalem, asking "Who gave Israel the right to decide who has rights in the Islamic institutions in Jerusalem?"  Shaath says Palestinians will seek Arab League affirmation of Arab character of Jerusalem.  (WT 7/28)

3 Palestinian immigrants plead guilty to racketeering charges in St. Louis.  The 3 were charged with plotting murder of Jewish Americans, bombing Israeli embassy on behalf of FRC ("Abu Nidal" organization).  (NYT 7/28)

Car bomb explodes outside London building housing Jewish and Israeli groups, including Joint Israel Appeal, injuring 5.  British Foreign Office says Hamas claims responsibility; Hamas rep. in Jordan Muhammad Nazzal denies involvement.   Israel, U.S. say evidence in Argentina, Panama, and U.K. bombings points to Iran, Hizballah.  Security strengthened at Israel's U.S. embassy, UN mission, and 9 U.S. consulates.   Argentine authorities question 2 Iranians in 7/18 Buenos Aires bombing.  (WP, WSJ, WT 7/27; CSM, NYT, WSJ, WT 7/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Secy of State Christopher in Gaza, appeals for economic assistance beyond $2.4 b. pledged by international donors to avert "starvation and the humiliation and frustration" of Palestinians, asserts Palestinian authority over Muslim holy places in Jerusalem.  Christopher says U.S. feels a "special responsibility" for helping Palestinians, urges PLO to adopt modern accounting procedures.  (NYT, TJT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/22)

Israeli-Jordanian talks conclude with discussion of free-trade zone, development of Wadi `Araba.  Plans are to be presented to King Hussein, PM Rabin at 7/25 summit.  U.S. officials say Jordan, Israel to announce state of nonbelligerency.  (MM 7/21; RJ 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; WSJ, WT 7/22)

Israeli FM Peres visits Cairo to brief Egyptian Pres. Mubarak on Israel-Jordan talks.  (MM 7/21; MENA 7/21 in FBIS 7/22)

Palestinian police apprehend suspects in 7/19 Rafah ambush of IDF patrol that killed 1 Israeli.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

Lebanese court convicts Namiq Ahmad Kamal of complicity in 1976 kidnapping, murder of U.S. Amb. Francis Meloy, sentences him to 4 yrs.' hard labor.  Attack blamed on PFLP; assassin remains at large.  (RL 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; WT 7/22)

Secy of State Christopher meets Jordan's King Hussein in Amman, Hussein telling press conference he will not sign a peace treaty at 7/25 summit with Israeli PM Rabin.  Hussein expresses "fervent hope" for "comprehensive peace," but says Jordan will "move ahead" with negotiations irrespective of Syrian track.  Monarch asserts that "the holy sites in Jerusalem belong to the Muslim world as a whole."  (MM 7/20; NYT, WP, WT 7/21)

Israeli FM Peres, Jordanian PM and FM Majali, and U.S. Secy of State Christopher meet in Shunah, Jordan, pledge to seek peace.  Peres and Majali indicate state of war may be ended at 7/25 summit in Washington.  (JTV 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; MM 7/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/21)

Palestinian-Israeli talks in Cairo on "early empowerment" of Palestinians conclude, Palestinian negotiator Shaath saying some progress made but Israel not willing to transfer real power in education, health, social, administrative, and financial affairs.  (MENA 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

PNA Economy M Ahmad Qurai` denied entry to Jerusalem by Israeli authorities.  Qurai` was scheduled to address economic conference, which he speaks to by telephone.  Israel objects to any PNA activities in Jerusalem.  (TJT 7/22; JP 7/30)

IAF rockets Hizballah positions in Iqlim al-Tuffah and eastern Biqa` Valley, Lebanon.  Israel blames Hizballah for 7/18 bombing of building housing Jewish organizations in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Hizballah denies involvement.  (RL 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; NYT, WT 7/21)

IDF soldier shot and killed in Rafah, Gaza Strip, in attack claimed by Hamas as "swift and direct" revenge for 7/17 killing of 2 Palestinians in riot at Erez crossing.  (MM 7/19; NYT, WP 7/20)

Israel-Jordan talks reach agreement to start negotiations for peace treaty on a "continuous basis" next month.  (CSM, MM, NYT, WSJ, WT 7/20)

Palestinian-Israeli talks continue in Cairo on transfer of civilian powers to PNA.  (MENA 7/19 in FBIS 7/19)

Secy of State Christopher holds talks with Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad in Damascus, says Israel-Syria dispute defies resolution, U.S. carrying no new proposals on Golan Heights.  Christopher describes Asad as "very serious" about peace process.  (CSM, NYT, WSJ, WT 7/20)

Commuter plane in Panama explodes, killing 21, including 12 Jews, of whom 4 are Israeli.  Local Jewish leaders speculate bombing connected to 7/18 bombing of Jewish organizations in Argentina.  (NYT, WP, WT 7/21)

Israel seals off Gaza Strip after previous day's riot at Erez checkpoint until "further notice."  Israeli cabinet mbrs. accuse Palestinian police of "gross irresponsibility" in incident.  (NYT 7/19)

Israel-Jordan peace talks open in tent on border 10 mi. north of Aqaba/Eilat.  Israeli delegation headed by Elyakim Rubenstein, Jordanian by Amb. to U.S. Fayiz Tarawnah.  Tarawnah expresses hope talks "will culminate in a treaty of peace," but PM and FM `Abd al-Salam Majali says Jordan "will not make a separate settlement with Israel by any means."  Talks break into working comm. sessions on borders, security, and water, energy, and environment issues.  (RJ, JTV 7/18 in FBIS 7/18; MM 7/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/19)

Palestinian-Israeli talks resume in Cairo, agenda focusing on transfer of education authority to PNA.  (MENA 7/18 in FBIS 7/18)

Secy of State Christopher meets Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres in Jerusalem, says Arab-Israeli conflict "drawing to an end."  (MM 7/18; NYT, WT 7/19)

Israeli govt. proposes legislation to bar PLO political activity in Israel and Jerusalem unless special approval given.  (MM 7/19; TJT 7/22; JP 7/30)

FM Peres announces Casablanca will host international Middle East economic conference 10/30, with over 2,000 companies participating.  (MM 7/19)

Bomb destroys Buenos Aires building housing Jewish organizations, files on Nazi war criminals in Argentina, killing at least 26, wounding over 100.  Iraqi detained in case; German, Iranian also reported arrested.  Argentine Pres. Menem says Mossad, Spanish intelligence will help in investigation.  Israeli PM Rabin denounces attack as "cowardly, criminal and evil act," vows to "chase perpetrators of terrorism to the end."  PLO official in Argentina says "we deeply lament this attack against peace."  Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires destroyed by bomb 3/92.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; WJW 7/21)

PLO Chmn. Arafat arrives in Gaza to take up permanent residence, meets PNA officials.  (NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/13)

Cairo talks btwn. Israel, Palestinians on security issues end 1st round.  Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath calls session "quite positive."  Talks covered prisoner release, extent of Jericho area, Palestinian police at Allenby Bridge, and extent of Palestinian authority on Gaza coast.  Subcomms. set up to discuss Gaza-Jericho authority, transfer of civil authority in rest of o.t.  (ARE Radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; MENA 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; NYT 7/13)

Steering group of multilateral talks holds 6th session in Tabarka, Tunisia, 1st mtg. since Madrid conf. in Arab country.  (Tunisian radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/12)

Maariv reports Israel considering international control of Christian, Muslim religious sites in Jerusalem.  FM Peres denies any such plan but says Israel "open to proposals" on holy sites, rejects any change in Israeli sovereignty over city.  Newspaper says proposed international admin. of Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Haram al-Sharif would include Palestinians, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Vatican.  (WT 7/13)

Yi'ud party joins Israeli cabinet although PM Rabin refuses many Yi'ud demands on o.t., Golan, PLO.  Yi'ud made up of frmr. Tsomet party mbrs.  (MM 7/13)

Israeli, PLO negotiators open talks in Cairo on "early empowerment" of Palestinians in West Bank, expansion of self-rule area, redeploying IDF, elections.  Israeli side headed by IDF Maj. Gen Danny Rothschild, PLO by PNA Planning M Nabil Shaath.  Separate talks on settling issues remaining fr. 5/4 agreement, including borders of Jericho area, resume.  (MENA 7/11, 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

IDF kills 2 Hamas mbrs. in Nablus after firing anti-tank missles at house they were hiding in.  The 2 had been wanted for a year.  Several buildings in area destroyed.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; MM 7/12; TJT 7/15; JP 7/23)

Qiryat Arba settlers vacate Hebron apartments occupied 7/8 in compromise with Housing M.  (MM 7/12)

PLO Chmn. Arafat departs Tunis for Cairo on way to take up permanent residence in Gaza Strip.  Arafat meets Israeli Dep. FM Beilin to discuss early empowerment of Palestinians in o.t. before his departure.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli PM Rabin accepts King Hussein's offer for a public summit mtg.  (MM 7/11; WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli FM Peres announces he will meet Secy of State Christopher, Jordanian PM and FM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali in Jordan 7/20 in 1st public visit of an Israeli official to Jordan.  Israeli-Jordanian bilateral talks to resume 7/18 at Ein Evrona, southern Israel.  Jordanian spokesman says emphasis in talks will be on border, water issues.  (MM 7/11; MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Jordan receives over $900,000 fr. UN for claims by Jordanian families for losses in 1990-91 Gulf war.  (WSJ 7/12)

IAF raids Hizballah positions in Biqa` Valley.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

Arafat, Rabin end 2 days of mtgs. in Paris, both sides agreeing to continue talks on expanding Palestinian self-rule.  Talks to resume 7/11 in Cairo.  2 sides plus Jordan and Egypt to organize conference on 1967 refugees.  Arafat pledges to convene PNC in Gaza "in the very near future" to repeal PLO charter provisions calling for Israel's elimination.  (MM 7/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/8)

17-yr.-old Israeli girl killed, father wounded by Palestinian gunmen in drive-by shooting nr. Hebron; IDF soldier found shot, stabbed to death in Kufr Aqab, West Bank, north of Jerusalem, in separate incident.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/8; JP 7/16)

Last IDF troops leave Gaza Strip self-rule areas, Palestinian civilians throwing stones at them as they leave.  IDF fires tear gas in response.  PLA police attempt to restrain stone-throwers by firing in air.  Firing turns to celebration after IDF leaves, with estimated 25,000 rounds shot.  (NYT, WP, WT 5/19; TJT 5/20)

Last day for inhabitants of collaborator village of Duhaynah in southern Gaza Strip to go to Palestinian self-rule area.  Under 5/4 accord, village will remain under Israeli control.  Reportedly, 55 collaborator families have already left.  (TJT 5/20)

Settler wounded by unidentified Palestinian in drive-by shooting in Gaza Strip.  In Jericho, armed settlers enter synagogue, raise Israeli flag.  Settlers leave after joint Israeli-PLO patrol arrives.  (WP 5/19)

TIPH "strongly" protests continued IDF closure of Hebron.  (MM 5/18; WP 5/19)

IDF, Israeli police demolish Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina, nr. Jerusalem, for being built without a permit.  (TJT 5/20)

Secy of State Christopher completes latest Middle East trip with courtesy call on Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak in Cairo, says "decisive action" on Syrian-Israeli agreement on Golan Heights withdrawal not likely in "near future."  (NYT, WP, WT 5/19)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, Israeli FM Shimon Peres hold joint news conference in Oslo.  Arafat claims "jihad" remarks in South Africa were about "a jihad to achieve real peace," reiterates personal and PLO rejection of violence.  Peres accepts Arafat's explanation, offers handshake.  (MM 5/18; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/19)

Jerusalem Post reports PLO is paying $500,00 to Nabil Shaath's Team International company for setting up computer system to transfer population records to self-government.  Shaath denies that contract, carried out by son `Ali, represents conflict of interest.  (MM 5/18)

Palestinian police vanguard of 20 officers enters Jericho fr. Jordan. PLO and Israeli officials in Jericho and Gaza discuss transfer of powers. PLO official Khalid Qudra says after Gaza mtg. he expects full Palestinian takeover to occur 5/17. (MM 5/12; NYT, WP, WT 5/13)

IDF evacuates Rafah, Gaza Strip, turning over police station and military govt. HQ to 40 locally recruited Palestinian police. IDF also leaves bases in Khan Yunis and Maghazi, al-Burayj, and Nusayrat r.c.s. (NYT, WP, WT 5/13)

Israeli AG Michael Ben-Yair tells Knesset that parliamentary immunity no longer applies in Palestinian autonomous areas. Remark is directed at 3 Likud and NRP MKs staging sit-in at Jericho's Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue. (MM 5/12)

Israeli truck driver ambushed nr. Mogaz settlement, Gaza Strip, in attack claimed by Hamas. 1 Palestinian arrested. In Jabaliya r.c., Palestinian gunmen shoot at IDF soldiers, who return fire, wounding 1Palestinian. (WP 5/13)

PLO official Nabil Shaath announces appointment of 15 mbrs. of Palestinian National Authority. 2 women are among appointees. Israeli PM Rabin says naming of 15 of 24 mbrs. sufficient to proceed with transition to self-rule. (NYT, WP, WT 5/13)

Dep. Asst. Secy of State Daniel Kurtzer, in Cairo, states U.S. has pledged $10.1 m. toward job creation, construction, and training for Palestinian refugees. Kurtzer in Cairo for 3-day mtg. of multilateral working group on refugees. (MM 5/12)

330 Palestinian police leave staging area nr. Cairo for Rafah, on Sinai-Gaza border. 270 others make camp at Jordanian side of Allenby Bridge, awaiting deployment in Jericho. (NYT, WT 5/8; NYT 5/9)

Haim Bar-Lev, IDF chief of staff 1968-71 after whom "Bar-Lev Line" of Sinai fortifications named, dies at 69 in Tel Aviv. (NYT, WT 5/8)

Central Gaza Prison closed down, 500 of its inmates transferred to other prisons and 200 released. IDF dismantles Gaza army bases but does not withdraw. (CSM, NYT, WT 5/6)

PLO Chmn. Arafat visits Amman to brief King Hussein on Gaza-Jericho agreement after Cairo mtg. with top aides to discuss appointment of 24 mbrs. of Palestinian National Authority. (MM 5/5; WP, WT 5/6)

Japanese FM Koji Kakizawa visits Jericho, pledges $200 m. to Palestinian National Authority. Settlers attempt for 2d day to occupy Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue in Jericho. (CSM, WT 5/6)

Norwegian Middle East mediator Terje Rod Larsen says Palestinian police force has received $20 m. in international donations, less than 1/2 of estimated $47 m. budget for 1st 6 months. Larsen says U.S. has pledged additional $5 m. PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says there will be overlap btwn. IDF presence and police. (NYT, WP 5/6)

PFLP, DFLP announce attacks on Israel will continue but that forces will avoid clashes with Palestinian police, according to statement by PFLP SG Dr. George Habash. Syrian media, including party paper al-Ba'th, join Palestinian factions in condemning Gaza-Jericho agreement. (MM 5/5; CSM, WP 5/6)

Al-Hayat reports Russia has agreed to write off 90% of Syria's $10 b. debt to Moscow. Syria will purchase $500 m. in Russian weapons in deal reached during Russian Dep. PM Oleg Soskovets's visit to Damascus previous week. (MM 5/5; WT 5/11)

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin sign 186-page Gaza-Jericho self-rule accord after 6-hr. negotiating session. Cairo ceremony presided over by Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak; 2,500 attendees include Secy. of State Christopher, Russian FM Andrei Kozyrev, Norwegian FM Bjorn Tore Godal, FMs of Japan, South Korea, Morocco, and Jordan. Arafat balks at signing maps accompanying accord, saying size of Jericho area not agreed upon, and ceremony stops for 35 minutes until Arafat reassured issue subject to further negotiation. Arafat asks for 3-week delay in withdrawal to allow PLO to prepare for taking power. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/4, 5/5; CSM 5/5)

Simultaneous with signing, Israel permits return of 15 Palestinian exiles, releases over 200 Palestinian prisoners, and allows entry into Gaza of 19 PLO police cmndrs. (MM 5/4; NYT, WP, WT 5/5)

Settlers attempt to occupy Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue in Jericho, staging prayer vigil. IDF remove settlers, detains 400 at Jericho base. Palestinian celebration in Jericho broken up by IDF with tear gas, percussion grenades. PLO officials arriving in Jericho in IDF jeeps stoned by local youths. (MM 5/4;NYT, WT 5/5; NYT 5/6)

Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawsha says group will not use force against Palestinian supporters of Gaza-Jericho agreement, but says Palestinian police should not try to stop attacks by opposition factions on settlers, IDF. (MM 5/4)

DFLP head Nayif Hawatmah, PFLP chief George Habash issue statements rejecting Gaza-Jericho accord, calling for continued resistance to occupation and new elections to PNC. (MM 5/4)

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin meet in Cairo for final negotiations on Gaza-Jericho self-rule agreement. Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa mediates. (NYT, WP, WT 5/4)

Qatari FM Shaykh Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabr al-Thani, in opening remarks to 5th round of multilateral Middle East peace talks on arms control in Doha attended by 43 countries, rules out normal diplomatic or economic relations with Israel pending comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace. (WT 5/4)

Rabbinical Conference of the Religious Zionist Rabbis Association issues halachic ruling saying Israeli govt. "not empowered by Jewish law, tradition or heritage to relinquish the rights of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel," calling Gaza-Jericho agreement "not recognized as binding." (MM 5/4)

Secy. of State Christopher presents Syrian counterproposals to Israeli PM Rabin. FM Peres says Syrian ideas received "with great interest." Christopher calls progress "significant," plans to return to region later in month. (CSM, MM, WP, WT 5/3)

Knesset defeats 3 motions of no confidence in Rabin govt. Rabin opens Labor party mtg. on negotiations to public. Opposition posters throughout Israel declare "The nation is with the Golan." Rabin, defending withdrawal proposals in Knesset, observes "Tanks, not settlements, provide security. If people want to rule over a foreign nation, they must know it is going to cost them blood." (MM, NYT, WT 5/3)

Israel and PLO sign formal agreement on TIPH at Danish FMin. TIPH force-90 Norwegians, 35 Danes, and 35 Italians-to deploy in Hebron 5/8. (MM 5/3; CSM 5/4)(see 3/31)

World Bank releases 3-yr., $1.2 b. Emergency Assistance Program for the Occupied Territories. Plan is to be undertaken by PECDAR in coordination with Israel, World Bank, and donor nations. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/3)

International Labor Organization releases report stating overall o.t. unemployment rate at least 25%, over 40% in Gaza. ILO seeks $135 m. for programs to help 12,000 frmr. political prisoners get work, provide 15,000 temporary jobs per month. (MM 5/3; CSM 5/4)

IDF Central Command issues orders restricting use of live ammunition against Palestinians, Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran saying "a new era and a new approach begins." (MM 5/3)

Hamas gunmen attack Ganei Tal in Gush Qatif settlement bloc, Gaza Strip, wounding 2 IDF soldiers. (MM 5/3)

IDF soldier shot dead at Gaza Strip base by fellow soldier who mistakes him for Palestinian assailant. (MM 5/3)

Israel sends 16 delegates, 12 journalists to multilateral Middle East peace talks on arms control in Doha, Qatar, via Cairo. Other delegations only 6 mbrs. (MM 5/3)

Israeli cabinet, PLO Exec. Comm. approve tentative Israel-PLO accord reached 4/28; Israeli and PLO negotiators return to talks in Cairo to finalize details for 5/4 signing. Disputes remain on control of territorial waters and beaches, prisoner releases, and legal jurisdiction. PLO Chmn. Arafat, Israeli PM Rabin to settle disputes over size of Jericho area, Palestinian police presence on Allenby Bridge. (CSM, NYT, WT 5/2)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara', after mtg. Secy. of State Christopher, says Syria rejects Israeli proposals on phased withdrawal fr. Golan Heights. Shara' says Pres. al-Asad asked Christopher "essential questions" for Israel to answer. (NYT, WP, WT 5/2)

Jordanian govt. decides to permit Palestinians free entry and exit, unlimited residency. Move comes after 6 years of tightened travel restrictions. (CSM 5/4)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Israeli FM Peres, and PLO Chmn. Arafat meet in Cairo, announce breakthrough on Gaza-Jericho agreement. Reportedly size of Jericho, duties of Palestinian police at border crossings, telephone and postal service remain to be resolved. Arafat and PM Rabin are to meet in Cairo 5/3 to resolve outstanding issues, sign self-rule accord 5/4. Christopher agrees to extend stay in region until signing, proceeds to Tel Aviv to discuss Israeli negotiations with Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria with PM Rabin. (MM 4/28; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/29)

Jerusalem District Court finds settler guilty of premeditated murder in 3/93 killing in Susia settlement nr. Hebron of Palestinian. Victim was bound hand and foot; settler shot him 9 times at point-blank range. Settler is sentenced to life in prison. (NYT 4/29, WT 5/4)

PFLP-GC figure Mustafa Khamis announces formation of "PFLP-Islamic General Command." (al-Sharq al-Awsat 4/28 in FBIS 4/29)

PLO-Israel talks resume in Cairo. (NYT, WT 4/25)

Jerusalem Dep. Mayor Shmuel Meir announces liens placed on bank accounts of Orient House, de facto PLO HQ in East Jerusalem, to recover $300,000 in overdue property taxes and garbage fees. (MM 4/25; WT 4/27)

Secy. of State Christopher leaves U.S. for 1-week Middle East tour in preparation for 5/94 round of Arab-Israeli talks. (NYT 4/25)

Arriving in Moscow for 4 days of talks with Russian leaders, Israeli PM Rabin is greeted by Russian PM Viktor Chemomyrdin. Rabin, 1st Israeli PM to visit Russia, addresses Jews at Moscow's Akripova Synagogue. 2,000 attend Rabin speech and another 1,000 listen outside. Lubavitcher Hasidim demonstrate against Rabin's peace policy. (MM, WT 4/25; NYT 4/26)

PM Rabin, speaking to United Kibbutz Movement leaders in Jerusalem, says "if we need to evacuate settlements [on the Golan Heights] for the sake of peace, I was in favor of that and I will be in favor of it," adding, "for me, peace is a more important value for the future of Israel's security than one group of settlements or another." Rabin argues 'whoever says 'peace with the whole Golan' says 'no' to peace." Committee of Golan Settlements criticizes Rabin's remarks, leader Eli Malka calling speech "a terrorist attack." (MM 4/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/22)

Current round of Israel-PLO talks in Cairo ends. (WP 4/22)

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres meet in Bucharest, Romania. Arafat tells Crans Montana Forum conference on Middle East economic prospects Palestinians "need a Marshall Plan." (MM 4/21; NYT, WT 4/22)

11 Fateh activists, fugitives fr. Gaza Strip, return fr. exile, some fr. Libya. (WP 4/22)

4 Palestinians wounded in clashes with IDF during demonstrations in Gaza Strip. (WP 4/22)

IDF soldier reported missing 4/20, found dead in abandoned car in garbage dump in Hizmeh, nr. Jerusalem. (WP, WT 4/22)

Israeli-Arab community starts general strike to protest NIS 450 m. budget deficit of the 56 Arab local councils. (JP 4/23)

Israel-PLO talks on Gaza-Jericho self-rule reconvene in Cairo. (NYT, WT 4/17; MM, WP 4/18)

Israeli cabinet eases closure of o.t., allowing 4,500 Palestinians over 35 to return to agricultural jobs, 16,000 others to cross "Green Line" regularly for business reasons. Move follows Shin Bet report that none of the Palestinians who killed Israelis inside Israel entered under work permits. (MM 4/18)

Hamas issues statement to media in Jordan saying a"correct start" to peace process would be Israeli withdrawal fr. o.t., dismantling of settlements, and free Palestinian elections. Statement 1st sign of softening of Hamas attitude toward Israel. (MM 4/18)

3-day multilateral conference on Middle East water opens in Muscat, Oman. Attended by delegates fr. 41 countries, including 26 Israelis negotiators accompanied by 19 journalists, session is boycotted by Syria and Lebanon. Jordan sends observer, not negotiator, due to dispute with U.S. over UN searches of vessels docking at Aqaba. Event marks 1st time Israeli officials allowed in a Gulf Arab country. (WT 4/17, 4/18)

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Cairo announce agreement on Palestinian police force, release of prisoners. Police force set at 9,000, with 2,000 recruited fr. o.t. and 7,000 fr. outside. Police will be armed with automatic rifles, handguns, and be equipped with 45 APCs and 120 medium MGs. U.S. to supply 200 jeeps and other vehicles; Saudi Arabia loans C-130 aircrafto transport police. Israel agrees to release 5,000 Palestinian prisoners-2,500 after signing of accord, 2,500 when Palestinian police take over, according to PLO official Nabil Shaath and Israeli negotiator Amnon Shahak. Hamas prisoners will not be released. Negotiations on remaining issues to resume 4/17. (NYT, WP 4/13)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris achieve "very significant progress" according to Israeli Finance M Avraham Shohat. Agreement reportedly close on direct and indirect taxation and financial affairs, "except for currency." Sides also divided on trade and labor. (MM 4/12, 4/13)

Settler fr. Shiloh fires at stone-throwers in al-Jib village, West Bank, kills 18-yr.-old Palestinian, 4 mos.' pregnant, in nearby house. Settler arrested, curfew imposed on al-Jib. (MM 4/12, 4/13; WP, WT 4/13)

IDF kills 1 Palestinian, wounds another during stone-throwing clashes in Jalazun r.c., West Bank. In Jericho, 5high-school students wounded by Border Police rubber bullets. (MM, NYT 4/13)

Ramallah placed under curfew as IDF searches for Palestinian fugitives; house of Dr. Muhammad Wahidi, Fateh supporter whose daughter Abir was sentenced to 17 yrs.' imprisonment for mbrship. in Fateh cell that killed a settler, attacked with gunfire and antitank rockets before being bulldozed. (NYT, WT 4/13)

17-mbr. advance TIPH team arrives in Hebron, meets Mayor Mustafa al-Natsha, local IDF cmndrs. Opposition to Danish-Italian-Norwegian force expressed by Hamas spokesman Taysir Tamimi, settler spokesman Yehiel Leiter. Center Hebron opened to Palestinians for 6 hours while team visits, but curfew reimposed afterward. Clashes break out btwn. Palestinians, IDF after curfew restored; 4Palestinians wounded. (MM 4/11; WP, WT 4/12)

PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says in Cairo mtg. 4/13 deadline for Israel-PLO autonomy agreement, IDF withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho will be "impossible," accepts proposal by FM Peres to set target date at end 4/94. (CSM, NYT, WT 4/12)

"Security sources" report killing in 'Ayn al-Hilwa r.c., Lebanon, of Lt. Col. Husayn Abu Zayd, 4th Fateh loyalist to be killed in Lebanon since 9/13/93. (CSM 4/12)

U.S. Defense Dept. notifies Congress of plans to sell 25 McDonnell Douglas F-151 fighter-bombers to Israel for $2.4 b. Initially, deal announced 1/94 had involved 20 planes, valued at $2 b. Package includes 25 Martin Marietta Corp.-manufactured LANTIRN navigation and targeting pods, 11 spare Pratt & Whitney engines. DoD also announces sale of 70 MK-46 torpedoes worth $40 m., 32 Harpoon missiles worth $57 m. to Egypt. (NYT, WT 4/12; DoD releases)

19-yr-old Palestinian fr. Shatti r.c., Gaza Strip, attacks Israeli bus with stolen Uzi submachine gun nr. Ashdod, killing 1 passenger and wounding 4. IDF, Israeli civilian shoot him dead. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility. (MM, WP 4/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

2 Israelis stabbed and wounded at Gaza Strip entrances. Hamas claims responsibility, threatens series of attacks on Israelis in reprisal for Hebron massacre. Leaflet says Afula bombing 1st of 5 attacks to come. (MM 4/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

Total closure imposed on o.t. for 1 week in response to Afula, Ashdod attacks. (MM 4/7; NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

5,000 attend funeral of 4 victims of Afula bombing, broadcast nationwide. Dep. Education M Micha Goldman, representing Rabin govt., booed by mourners. Funeral coincides with observances of Holocaust Day. 300 Israeli youths clash with police in tire-burning incidents. PLO in Cairo issues statement expressing regret over Afula bombing, but U.S. State Dept. spokesman Michael McCurry says U.S. wants stronger condemnation. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

IDF denies permit to conference scheduled 4/9-10 at which Jesse Jackson was to have spoken to 100s of Palestinian academics. IDF says conference, marking 30th anniversary of PLO and organized by Hebron Islamic University, cannot be held in Hebron or Jerusalem but could be held in Nablus or Ramallah. (WP, WT 4/8)

Car bomb explodes at bus stop in Afula, northern Israel, killing 8, including bomber, and wounding 44. Hamas claims responsibility in calls to news agencies, announcements on Gaza Strip mosque loudspeakers. Demonstrations against attack erupt in Afula and other towns; Israeli police deploy in Israeli-Arab villages to protect Palestinian citizens of Israel. Complete closure imposed on o.t. Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu demands govt. suspend talks with PLO. PLO Chmn. Arafat, asked by State Dept. to condemn bombing, refuses comment when asked about it at Cairo news conference. (MM 4/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/7)

6 IDF soldiers wounded, none seriously, in grenade attack on patrol in Shatti r.c., Gaza Strip. (NYT 4/7)

Israeli delegation to talks with PLO in Cairo takes 3-day break to observe Holocaust Day. PLO officials decline to take over Gaza police station evacuated by Israel, postpone entry of Palestinian police into Gaza, Jericho. (MM 4/6; NYT, WP, WT 4/7)

PM Rabin testifies to closed session of commission of inquiry into Hebron massacre, last of 94 witnesses. Rabin's testimony not made public. (MM 4/6; NYT 4/7, 4/9)

23 Palestinians expelled by Israel for resistance activities return to Gaza Strip fr. Egypt via Rafah crossing, 27 others to West Bank at Allenby Bridge. (NYT, WP, WT 4/6)

9 Palestinians wounded by IDF in clashes as Israelis continue evacuation of Jericho, Gaza IDF HQs. 3 of the wounded are in Jericho. (WT 4/6)

Danish, Italian, and Norwegian officials go to Israel from Cairo to discuss role of Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) contingents. (MM 4/5)

Pres. al-Asad holds 3d mtg. with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, returns to Syria. (MM 4/5)

IDF begins evacuation of HQ in Jericho, Gaza Strip as withdrawal starts. Troops in Gaza redeploy to guard Gush Qatif bloc of settlements. 2 Palestinians wounded by IDF while stoning departing troops. (CSM, WT 4/5)

Bank of Jordan opens 1st West Bank branch, in Ramallah. (MM 4/5)

Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad flies to Cairo, meets twice with Pres. Husni Mubarak. (MM 4/5)

Israeli police ballistics expert testifies to Israeli commission of inquiry, says police have identified all but 1 of 115 shell casings recovered at Haram al-Ibrahimi in Hebron. 109 shells traced to attacker Baruch Goldstein's weapon, 5 to those of IDF guards. (NYT, WT 4/5)

Arab League FMs end mtg. in Cairo without discussing end to boycott of Israel, Syrian FM al-Shara' saying issue not discussed because reasons for boycott persist. Communique condemns Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, calls for international observers in o.t. (MM, WT 3/28)

PLO-Israel draft agreement on deployment of international force in Hebron reached after 14-hr. session. (MM 3/25; NYT, WP, WT 3/26)

International donors conference in Cairo, including reps. of UN, EU, and World Bank, pledges support to Palestinian police. U.S. to provide 200 trucks, spare parts; Norway, uniforms; Japan, housing. (WP 3/26)

Curfew lifted in Hebron, but 2,000 soldiers sent in to protect settlers. Main mosques closed after arrest of settler for killing Palestinian in incident nr. Ashkelon. Palestinian shot in head and 2 others wounded by IDF during stone-throwing clashes in Gaza Strip. 3-day general strike begins in o.t. to mark 1 mo. since Hebron massacre. (NYT, WP, WT 3/26; MM 3/28)

22-hr. siege of house in Hebron, including firing of over 100 antitank rockets, ends with deaths of 4 Hamas militants (added to death previous day of pregnant woman). IDF use of roof of neighboring Mohtasseb Children's Hospital as firing position protested by residents, ICRC, human rights orgs. 18 Palestinians wounded by IDF in protests against siege. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Secy. of State Christopher to demand end of IDF "aggression" against Palestinians. State Dept. expresses "concern" at incident. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/24)

IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak testifies to commission of inquiry on Hebron massacre, saying "it is reasonable to assume" that a settler firing a weapon is doing so in self-defense, but adds "In no case is there, nor can there be, an army order that says it is forbidden to shoot at a settler even if he is shooting at others or at you." (MM, NYT, WP 3/24)

Israel-PLO talks on deployment ofinternational force in Hebron resume in Cairo. (MM 3/23; NYT, WP 3/24)

U.S. envoy Dennis Ross meets for 3 hrs. in Damascus with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, delivers message fr. Pres. Clinton. (MM 3/23)

20 katyushas fired into "security zone," killing 1 Lebanese woman in village of Rihan. (MM 3/23)

"Palestine Development and Investment Inc." launched at Amman ceremony. $200 m. company made up of 141 investors will invest in o.t. housing and industry. (MM 3/24)

Pres. Clinton refuses clemency for convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard. (NYT, WP, WT 3/24)

Lebanese police issue warrants for arrest of 7 men, 2 women-including 4 mbrs. of LF elite assault unit-in 2/27 bombing of Maronite church in Zuq Mika'il. Police detain Fuad Malek, dep. leader of LF. Govt. issues decree dissolving party despite LF chief Samir Ja'ja"s denial of involvement. 5 of the suspects already arrested, including 3 LF security officers. (MM 3/23; NYT, WT 3/24; CSM 4/8)

IDF kills 2 Palestinians, 25 and 16, in Hebron after army jeep stoned. 4 other Palestinians wounded in separate clashes in o.t. IDF soldier, police officer wounded in Gaza by Palestinian gunman. (MM, WP, WT 3/8)

Hamas threatens suicide attacks on settlements of Qiryat Arba, Gush Qatif, Qadumin, Taqua, and Ariel (total population 24,000) if not evacuated by 3/15. Israeli Housing Min. reports 10 families have left QiIyat Arba. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)

7 SLA mbrs. killed in 3 Hizballah bomb explosions in southern Lebanon. At least 2 SLA officers, 4 soldiers wounded. 2 other Lebanese kidnapped, killed by Hizballah. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Israeli PM Rabin's advisers Jacques Neriah and Amos Gilad in Cairo to discuss resumption of peace talks, 1st such mtg. since Hebron massacre. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)

57-mbr. Israeli-Arab delegation led by MK 'Abd al-Wahhab Darawsha arrives in Damascus in 1st visit by Israeli elected official. Group travels on Egyptian documents obtained in Cairo. Delegation met by Damascus Mayor Maj. Gen. Walid Hammamiya and PSF head Khalid al-Fahum. (MM 3/7)