The Palestine Chronology

In Washington, Pres. Clinton urges Qatar's emir Shaykh Hamad to move ahead with plans to host the Middle East-North Africa economic summit in 11/97. The emir criticizes the 6/10 House decision, calls on the U.S. to review its dual containment policy. (MM 6/11; al-Rayah [Doha] 6/17 in WNC 6/19; al-Ahram 6/18 in WNC 6/24; Intelligence Newsletter 6/26)

House passes Res. 1757, a version of the State Dept. Authorization Bill that earmarks $100 m. for the transfer of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (Near East Report 6/12)

At the close of a 2-day mtg., donor, host governments pledge $4.1 m. to the UNRWA general fund for 1997. (UNRWA press release 6/12, 6/19) (see 5/26)

Jordan, Saudi Arabia open new border post at Aqaba+nal-Dirri+nHaql area. (RJ 6/10 in WNC 6/11)

At the Western Wall, Orthodox Jews, angered by men and women praying together, attack Conservative Jews, then attack Palestinians nr. the Old City, spray tear gas at Israeli police who try to stop them. (NYT 6/13; WT 6/16; JP 6/21)

U.S. special envoy Ross, PM Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv. Later, Arafat refuses to meet Ross, stating that he is unhappy with the U.S. mediating role, Israeli delay tactics; sends letter to Pres. Clinton, asking him to intervene personally to save the peace process. Israel accuses Arafat of manufacturing a crisis. (IDF Radio 5/15 in WNC 5/16; PR 5/16; AFP 5/16 in WNC 5/19; NYT, WP, WT 5/17; JP 5/24)

In Jerusalem, Norwegian FM Godal meets with PM Netanyahu. (QY 5/15 in WNC 5/16)

Israeli police detain 2 Palestinians, one of whom is a PA police officer, in connection with Bashiti's murder 5/9. (IDF Radio, QY 5/15 in WNC 5/16; IGPO 5/15 in WNC 5/19; NYT 5/16; JP 5/24)

3 IDF soldiers are killed, 7 are wounded in a clash with Hizballah in s. Lebanon. 2 Hizballah mbrs. also are killed. (AFP 5/15, IDF Radio, VOL 5/16 in WNC 5/19; MM, WT 5/16; NYT 5/17)