The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli High Court orders investigation into death of Palestinian who is believed to have wounded an Israeli soldier in Rafah stabbing incident [NYT 12/20]. Large demonstrations are reported in Nazareth [FJ 12/20]. Israel orders Gaza's Islamic U. and Palestine Religious Institute closed for 1 month [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian protesters attack Israeli-owned banks, barricade streets in Arab E. Jerusalem with burning tires and roadblocks; 6 policemen are injured, 33 protesters arrested. On W. Bank, disturbances break out in Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, Bethlehem, and other towns. Army imposes curfews on Balatah and 'Askar refugee camps, uses tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Palestine Press Service reports 2 Arabs are shot, wounded near Bethlehem [NYT 12/20]. Hebron U. is ordered closed following campus protests against Israeli use of force in occupied territories; Palestinian student is wounded by army gunfire during demonstration [FJ 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Commercial strike continues in E. Jerusalem, Nablus, and Ramallah [FJ 12/20]. Police use tear gas to break up demonstration by Arab and Jewish Hebrew U. students outside P. M. Shamir's residence [FBIS 12/17; FJ 12/20]. Group of 12 Balatah refugee camp residents file complaint against defense minister and military commander of occupied territories in Israeli High Court charging border guards used excessive force in controlling demonstrations [FJ 12/20].

Other Countries: U.S. Senate passes measure temporarily prohibiting denial of visas to and expulsion of foreigners because of their political beliefs; bill also includes provision to close PLO observer mission to UN and PIO in Washington, D.C. [NYT 12/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army sends reinforcements into Gaza Strip. In Jabalya refugee camp, at least 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded when troops open fire on crowd demonstrating atfuneral of youth killed 12/15; about 20 others are arrested. Israeli soldier is stabbed in Rafah; members of patrol open fire, wounding at least 3. Army fails to break general strike [NYT 12/17]. Israel begins using water canons to control demonstrating crowds in occupied territories. Widespread arrests are reported [WP 12/17]. Tire-burning, bottle-throwing demonstrators clash with soldiers in Jerusalem [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: Israeli troops enter eastern Lebanon, battle Lebanese militias, killing 1 [FJ 12/20]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Minister of Industry and Trade Ariel Sharon moves into apartment in Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City; merchants close shops in protest [LAT 12/16]. Complete commercial strike closes stores in E. Jerusalem, Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, al-Birah, and other W. Bank towns [FJ 12/20]. Israel bans distribution of al-Sha'b in W. Bank and Gaza Strip for 12 days [FJ 12/20]. Khan Yunis youth shot 12/12 by Israeli soldiers dies in Barzali Hospital [FJ 12/20]. Palestinian journalists from occupied territories hold sit-in at Arab Journalists' Association's Jerusalem office to protest administrative detention of Radwan Abu 'Ayyash [FJ 12/20]. Israeli police announce capture of 2 Palestinians charged with murder of Israeli soldier [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: Arab League calls for emergency session to discuss Israeli actions in occupied territories [CSM 12/16].

Other Countries: Trial of Ibrahim Khalid, only survivor of 4-man team that attacked Leonardo da Vinci Airport in 1985, opens in Rome. Abu Nidal and Rashid Hamida are being tried in absentia [LAT 12/16]. U.S. calls for Israeli restraint in handling disturbances in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [NYT 12/16]. Israeli Def. Min. Rabin meets with U.S. congressional leaders in Washington [WP 12/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldiers fire on Palestinian demonstrators at Gaza's Shifa Hospital, killing at least 2, wounding more than 11. Dozens are arrested. Palestinians at hospital attack Western journalists. UN reports 2 Palestinians are shot, killed: 1 at Bayt Hanun, in northern Gaza Strip, and 1 at Dayr al-Balah refugee camp. Palestine Press Service reports another demonstrator is killed by soldiers during protest march from Beach refugee camp to Shifa Hospital [LAT, NYT 12/16]. In W. Bank, demonstrations are reported in Nablus, Bir Zeit, Abu Dis village near Jerusalem, and Qalandiya, Am'ari, and Jalazun refugee camps [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: With tank and helicopter support, Israeli troops move north of S. Lebanon security zone, raid Shi'i villages of Maydun and Kafr Hunah. Lebanese sources report 6 fighters are wounded, 20 captured [NYT 12/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Haq calls for international intervention, protests Israel's "uncensured and indiscriminate use of live ammunition" against Palestinian demonstrators in occupied territories [LAT 12/14]. No one is injured by Molotov cocktails thrown into courtyard of U.S. consulate in E. Jerusalem; more than 20 Palestinians are arrested in connection with the incident. Israeli cabinet discusses violence in occupied territories [WP 12/14; FJ 12/20]. Israel orders 1-month closure of Graduate Association's high school in Hebron because of recent protests [FJ 12/20]. Lydda military court sentences 4th Palestinian captured in international waters aboard the Maria R. to 6 years imprisonment on charges of Fateh membership. [FJ 12/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 5 Palestinians are wounded when Israeli forces open fire on rock-throwing demonstrators in several clashes in Gaza Strip. Palestine Press Service reports 24 wounded in Gaza violence [CSM, WP 12/14]. In Hebron, 2 Islamic College students are wounded after bus-stoning incident. Israel reports 6 soldiers wounded in the clashes [LAT, NYT 12/14]. Demonstrations are reported in Jerusalem. Commercial strike is observed in Nablus. Curfew is imposed on 'Askar and Balatah refugee camps after demonstrations, clashes with Israeli soldiers [FJ 12/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Plestinians call for total commercial strike in E. Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus, and other W. Bank towns [FJ 12/13].

Arab World: Egypt condemns Israel's use of live ammunition in occupied territories [NYT 12/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel reports 5 Palestinians wounded by gunfire, 2 critically, in Gaza Strip clashes; Palestine Press Service estimates at least 25 shot in the day's disturbances. Army imposes curfews on Balatah and 'Askar refugee camps in the West Bank. Rock-throwing, tirebombing crowds are reported throughout the territories; a Palestinian is shot, wounded in Hebron [NYT 12/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel extradites William Nakash, French Jew convicted of 1983 murder of Arab, to France [WP 12/3]. Imprisoned al-Najah U. student Jamal Hindi is served expulsion order [FJ 12/6]. Greek F.M. Karolos Papoulias meets with 20 Palestinians in E. Jerusalem, pledges continued Greek support for Palestinian national rights [Fl 12/6]. Lawyer for Husayn Thulthayn files appeal with military objections com. against Israeli confiscation of land [FJ 12/6]. At Tel Aviv U. 70 Arab students protest housing discrimination [FP 12/6]. Israel announces it has uncovered DFLP cell in Nablus region [FJ 12/6].

Other Countries: U.S. court upholds State Dept. order closing PIO in Washington, D.C.; ACLU plans to appeal ruling [WP 12/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers raid Bethlehem University, closed since demonstration 10/29 [FJ 12/6]. Near Nablus, Israeli forces use live ammunition to disperse Palestinians protesting Israeli demolition of houses allegedly built without permits; 3 are injured [FJ 12/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike marking 70th anniversary of Balfour Declaration is observed in E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip. Soldiers force shopkeepers in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nazareth to open their stores. Demonstrations continue on Gaza Strip. Curfews are imposed on 'Askar and Balatah refugee camps after demonstrators burn tires and stone Israeli vehicles [FJ 11/8]. Al-Fajr resumes distribution in occupied territories after 4-day ban [FJ 11/8].

Arab World: Sec. Gen. for Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine Nayif Hawatimah and Amal leader Nabih Birri hold talks in Algiers, reach cease-fire agreement [NYT 11/5].

Other Countries: Rabbi Alexander Schindler, leader of American Reform Jews, urges Israeli participation in international peace conference [NYT 11/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, 1 student is injured when Israeli soldiers use live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. In Jerusalem, soldiers raid Ummah Secondary School, attack student demonstrators [Fl 11/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 500 Muslim demonstrators clash with members of Temple Mount Faithful attempting to pray near al-Aqsa Mosque. Police escorting Jewish worshipers respond with tear gas and waming shots; 3 Palestinians and 3 policemen are injured. [WP 10/12] E. Jerusalem strike and Nablus march protest al-Aqsa clash [FJ 10/18]. Yigdal Shahaf dies of injuries sustained in 10/10 attack [MET 10/24]. Israeli driver shoots Palestinian youth allegedly throwing stones [FJ 10/18]. In Hebron, Muslims and Jews clash at Ibrahimi Mosque [FJ 10/18]. Employee strike at Abu Dis College of Science and Technology ends [FJ 10/18].

Other Countries: Morris Abram, head of Conference of Presidents ofMajor American Jewish Organizations, says he has pledged noninterference by U.S. Jews in intemal Israeli affairs [NYT 10/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza City, protesters burn tires, throw stones at soldiers. Soldiers force merchants to open shops; curfew is lifted [LAT 10/12].

Arab World: Palestinian fighters repulse Amal attack near 'Ayn al-Hilwah; 7 are killed [WP 10/12]. Mustafa Sa'd, leader of Nasserite Popular Liberation Army, announces his forces, which are serving as buffer between Amal and Palestinian fighters, are withdrawing [WP 10/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 1-day general strike in support of Jerusalem Electric Company closes most shops in E. Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Israeli police announce arrest of 4 Palestinians in connection with 4 murders, including assassination of Nablus Mayor Zafir al-Masri in 1986, and 3 attempted murders in Nablus and Jenin [FJ 8/23]. In Rahat village, 1,500 demonstrators inside mosque prevent court-ordered demolition of mosque by Israeli soldiers and police [FJ 8/23]. Jerusalem planning com. approves project to build 10,000 housing units for Palestinians innorthern Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Lina Tubaylah, member of Women's Work Com. in Nablus, receives 6-month town arrest order [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities ban 22 books from use in Palestinian schools on W. Bank [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities approve building of 4 new settlements in Jordan Valley, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities inform landowners in Hebron-area villages of Dura and Dhahriyyah of plan to expropriate 2,000 dunams of village land [FJ 8/23]. Members of Village League open fire on Bayt 'Ula residents, injuring 2 [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Maronite leader Camille Chamoun dies in Lebanon [MEI 8/28]. Arab committee studying terrorism ends session in Damascus; meeting was attended by an official delegation of the PLO [FJ 8/23]. Khalid Yasin, member of DFLP, is released from Israeli prison after 14 years, arrives in al-Baddawi refugee camp in N. Lebanon [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: Scotland Yard reveals arrest of Isma'il Hasan Suwan, Palestinian researcher, in connection with attempted assassinationf Naji al-'Ali and seizure of large arms and explosive cache believed to be for use by PLO guerrillas in Europe [NYT 8/19; FJ 8/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 50 Israeli soldiers raid al-Najah University in Nablus, confiscate books and files from administrative and student council offices [FJ 8/23]. In Gaza, 2 Israelis are injured in gunfire attack [FJ 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire to break up Nablus demonstration marking 20th anniversary of 1967 war; kill 15-year-old boy, wound 10-year-old [LAT 6/6]. Some stores reopen in E. Jerusalem and Ramallah, on 2d day of 2-day general strike [LAT 6/6]. Stone thrown at Israeli bus near Dahayshah refugee camp injures 1 woman passenger; curfew imposed on camp [FJ 6/7; BG 6/8]. Israeli troops open fire after Molotov cocktail is thrown at patrol in Hebron's Bab al-Zawiyah; no injuries are reported [FJ 6/7]. Classes at Bethlehem University are suspended to protest 20 years of Israeli occupation [FJ 6/7]. Estimated 8,000 Arabs and Jews participate in Tel Aviv demonstration protesting 20 years of occupation [FJ 6/14]. Nablus' al-Najah University is ordered closed for 2 days [FJ 6/14]. Israeli press reports plan to deploy additional army unit in occupied territories [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: Speaker of Lebanese Parliament Husayn Husayni resigns citing Pres. Jumayyil's failure to conduct thorough investigation of assassination of P.M. Karami [BS 6/6].

Other Countries: U.S. officials confirm that grand jury investigating Iran-contra affair has issued subpoenas for Al Schwimmer, Israeli businessman, Amiram Nir, counterterrorism adviser to prime ministers Peres and Shamir, and Ya'acov Nimrodi, Israeli arms dealer. Israeli government isprotesting the action [WP 6/6].