The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Responding to charges in U.S. Senate Intelligence Com. report, Defense Minister Rabin denies offering to ship Soviet arms to Nicaraguan contras [JP 2/7]. Employees of Jerusalem's financially troubled Arab Women's Federation, which runs schools and child care centers, begin general strike [FJ 2/6].

Arab World: The Los Angeles Times reports that Anglican Church envoy Terry Waite, who has not been seen since 1/20, is being detained by Hizballah in Lebanon [LAT 1/31]. Druze leader Jumblatt offers to trade places with Terry Waite if the envoy has been kidnapped [WP, BG 2/1].

Other Countries: Lisbon weekly Expresso reports that Portugal refused to aid U.S. and Israel ship arms to Iran [WP 1/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P. M. Shamir rejects idea of international conference on Middle East peace [LT 1/31]. Golan Heights Arabs erect monumento Syrian nationalist leader Sultan Basha al-Atrash. Israeli authorities alter policy and permit statue to stand [FJ 2/6]. Officials order al-Najah University closed for the day, citing rumors of student demonstration [FJ 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian youth wounded 1/29 in clash between students and military dies, provoking further protests [FJ 2/6].

Arab World: Palestinian forces attack Amal positions in attempt to relieve military pressure on refugee camps. Police report 2 killed, 40 wounded [LAT 1/3 1]. PLO fighters turn over their positions in Maghdushah to Hizballah and troops of Popular Nasserite leader Mustafa Sa'd [FJ 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During a visit to Jerusalem, Australian P. M. Hawke indicates he is willing to mediate between Israel and the PLO, calls for mutual recognition [FJ 1/30]. Landowners from Bayt 'Ula village hold news conference, allege Israeli authorities are threatening to confiscate all their agricultural and grazing lands [FJ 1/30]. Near Bethlehem, Neve Daniel settlers and soldiers uproot 200 olive trees and grape vines in ongoing land dispute with Arab residents of al-Khadir village [FJ 2/6]. Jewish extremists vandalize 25 cars in Silwan village, near Jerusalem [FJ 2/6]. Military officials close Gaza City's al-Azhar school for one week in connection with anti-occupation protests [FJ 2/6].

Arab World: Nayaf Khalil al-Bayad is hanged in Jordan for the murder of PLO Executive Com. member Fahd al-Qawasmi [Fl 2/13].

Other Countries: U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee releases report on Iran-contra affair, indicating Israel played major role in deal and Israeli official may have used some profits from the arms sales for "other projects" [NYT 2/2; WP 1/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot and wound 3 demonstrators and arrest hundreds more during protest in Khan Yunis mosque against deportation of Muhammad Dahlan [WP 1/30; FJ 2/6]. Army uses tear gas to break up demonstration at Balatta refugee camp [FJ 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: JEC employees strike for 2 hours after administration decides not to pay salary for 13th and 14th months [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Reports indicate 3 W. Bank members of Jordanian Parliament are being investigated for defrauding the government [FJ 2/6].

Other Countries: U.S. bars travel to Lebanon on U.S. passports [NYT, LAT 1/29]. UN Security Council calls for imrnediate rlease of all hostages held in Lebanon [NYT 1/29]. W. German police begin investigation after finding liquid explosive near home of Muhammad Hamadi [NYT, IN 1/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli zoning inspectors order destruction of 2 houses in Dahayshah camp. Palestinians consider the action a "dangerous precedent" since zoning officials have no authority in refugee camps [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Egyptian Pres. Mubarak and Syrian Pres. al-Asad hold meetings at Islamic Summit in Kuwait [BG 1/28]. Kuwaiti news agency reports Terry Waite is under house arrest in Lebanon [GU 2/2; FJ 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops surround al-Najah University while students on campus celebrate Fateh Day [FJ 1/30; NYT 1/28].

Arab World: 'Ali Abu Tawq, Fateh's "political and military coordinator in Beirut," is killed in shelling at Shatila camp [FJ 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Muhammad Shakir Dahlan is expelled to Jordan, setting off protests throughout the Gaza Strip [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Fifth Islamic Summit opens in Kuwait. PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat meets with Jordan's King Hussein [LAT 1/27; FJ 1/30]. Kuwait officials say they would deny any request to release 17 convicted hostages in exchange for hostages held in Lebanon [LAT 1/27]. Anglican Church officials say Terry Waite's negotiations are continuing [WP 1/27].

Other Countries: U.S. FBI agents in Los Angeles arrest 8 Jordanians and one Kenyan, charging them with membership in PFLP [NYT 1/29; FJ 1/30]. U.S. Pres. Reagan testifies before Tower Commission that he has no memory of giving prior approval for Israeli sale of arms to Iran in 1985 [WP 1/27]. W. German officials in Frankfurt arrest 'Abbas 'Ali Hamadi, brother of Muhammad Hamadi who has been held since 1/13 [NYT 1/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army recruits, firing at Balatta refugee camp youths to "scare away" stone throwers, wound a Palestinian inside the camp [F 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 200 Umm al-Fahm secondary school students call on Israeli authorities to ease municipal financial crisis [FJ 1/30]. Demonstrators in Khan Yunis protest decision to expel Muhammad Dahlan [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Organization for Oppressed on Earth claims responsibility for 1/24 seizure of 4 university professors in Beirut [NYT 1/26].

Other Countries: U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell urges military response if American hostages in Beirut are killed and there is "clear evidence" of responsibility [WP 1/26]. In article detailing his account of the Iran arms deal, Michael Ledeen, former consultant to National Security Council, asserts "original push" came from Iran, not U.S. or Israel [WP 1/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The first open-heart surgery in the occupied territories is performed in Ramallah [FJ 1/30]. Jerusalem rally organized by newly-formed Committee for Family Reunification highlights plight of W. Bank and Gaza Strip families [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Three Americans and 1 Indian, all professors at Beirut University College, are kidnapped [NYT 1/25; FJ 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two Bethlehem youths are arrested on charges of planting a grenade near Bethlehem city hall and threatening mayor [FJ 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Muhammad Shakir Dahlan, arrested 12/18, drops his appeal against expulsion [FJ 1/23]. jabaliyyah refugee camp students hurl stones at Israeli troops. One student is shot in the leg, but Israeli officials deny the charge [FJ 1/30]. Ramallah's Commerce Dept. demands reduced taxes, increased services [FJ 1/30]. Four Birzeit U. students charge they were severely torture during their detention at al-Fara'a prison [FJ 2/6].

Arab World: Kuwaiti newspaper reports pro-Jordanian Fateh dissident leader Abu al-Za'im was injured in assassination attempt in Amman. Jordanian officials arrested several Palestinians [FJ 1/30].

Other Countries: Australia formally denies UN permission to hold Palestine seminar in that country [FJ 1/30].

ocial/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Interior Ministry approves proposal to dissolve Umm al-Fahm township, which faces serious fiscal crisis. Umm al-Fahm officials are fighting the decision [FJ 1/23] 'Al Hamishmar reveals Israeli and Jordanian representatives have drafted a pact of economic cooperation [Fl 1/23]. Estimated 150 Tulkarm area landowners protest confiscation of 10,000 dunums of their land [FJ 1/30]. Gush Emunim leaders accuse P. M. Shamir of aiding "Jordanization and Palestinization" of occupied territories UP 1/22].

Arab World: Reports indicate Jordanian military court sentenced 4 Palestinians to death for 1984 murder of Hebron's mayorelect Fahd al-Qawasmi. Six others were sentenced to life in prison [FJ 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In meeting with officials of 5 W. Bank institutions, Defense Minister Rabin threatens to close Palestinian universities and colleges permanently "if they continue to be the source of unrest." After the meeting Rabin revokes the order which has shut down al-Najah University since 1/3 [FJ 1/23].

Other Countries: U.S. formally requests W. Germany to extradite Muhammad 'Ali Hamadi, suspected of hijacking TWA flight 847 [WT 1/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Sixty families in Block 67, just south of Khan Yunis, are ordered evicted. Israeli authorities plan to demolish the houses unless the families obtain retroactive building permits before 1/24 [FJ 1/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli navy shells PLO forces in Maghdushah [FJ 1/23; WT 1/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In the wake of 1/12 stabbing attack of 2 Israeli brothers, police patrol Jerusalem streets in an effort to prevent further violence in the city. Three Palestinian youths are attacked and beaten, 1 is kidnapped; an Israeli man carrying 5 firebombs is arrested [FJ 1/23].

Other Countries: U.S. agrees to waive death penalty for suspected hijacker held in W. Germany [WP 1/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police question at least 50 Arabs after 2 Arabs stabbed Jewish brothers walking in E. Jerusalem [WP 1/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli UN ambassador Johannan Bein proposes 6-month cease-fire in S. Lebanon as first step toward completing Israel's withdrawal [LT 1/17].

Other Countries: German customs officials in Frankfurt seize Muhammad 'Ali Hamadi, believed to be 1 of 3 men who hijacked TWA flight 847 in June 1985 [LAT 1/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities expropriate large tracts of land in 3 Bethlehem area villages [FJ 1/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Peres testifies before Israeli Parliament Defense and Foreign Affairs Com. that Israel warned U.S. there was only 25% chance of success in U.S.-Iran arms-for-hostages deal, denies Israeli involvement in diverting money to Nicaraguan contras [NYT 1/14]. Muhammad Shakir Dahlan, resident of Khan Yunis accused of heading the Fateh youth movement in Gaza and inciting "armed struggle against Israel," receives deportation order [FJ 1/16].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese guerrillas raid SLA position; 3 killed, 10 wounded. Four Israeli fighter-bombers attack Fateh dissidents in Biqa' Valley, killing 3, injuring 13 [NYT 1/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli reports reveal Israeli instructors aetraining Nicaraguan contras in Honduras [BS 1/13]. Palestinian Druze from villages of Isifia and Daliat al-Karmil protest demolition orders against 10 houses and read demands before Haifa office of Israeli Interior Ministry [FJ 1/16].

Arab World: Anglican Church envoy Terry Waite returns to Beirut, his first visit since the U.S. Iran arms sales were revealed [LAT 1/13].

Military Action

Arab World: Four Israeli soldiers are wounded by 2 landmine explosions inside Israel's "security zone." Israeli warplanes raid PLO positions in Maghdushah [FJ 1/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Moshe Levy, apologizes to UN and Ireland for killing an Irish UNIFIL soldier [CSM 1/15]. Al-Najah University is ordered closed for a second week [FJ 1/16]. Birzeit University lecturer Salih 'Abd al-Jawwad, held on charges of inciting a student demonstration on 12/4, is released after 39 days in prison [FJ 1/16].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Arafat arrives in Algiers where he is expected to participate in unity talks with other PLO factions [FJ 1/16].

Other Countries: In item based on leaked information from draft of Senate Select Com. on Intelligence report, the Washington Post reveals that Amiram Nir, aide to then P.M. Peres, first suggested sending funds from Iranian arms deals to Nicaraguan contras and that Israelater shipped Soviet-made arms to the contras. Report contradicts the official Israeli version of events surrounding the affair [WP 1/11].

Military Action

Arab World: Three Israeli helicopters fire on 4 Shi'i villages [FJ 1/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dfense Minister Rabin states that U.S., "fearing reprisals against American hostages," persuaded Israel not to attack Hizballah bases in Lebanon, but Israel broke 2-year-old policy on 1/4 because of increased attacks on Israelibacked forces [WP 1/10].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting at Beirut International Airport continues for second day. Six Israeli warplanes attack Maghdushah [WP 1/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Pentagon official Dov Zakheim meets with P.M. Shamir to present reasons why Israel cannot afford the Lavi, offers 19 less costly alternatives to the controversial fighter UP 1/9].

Arab World: U.S. special envoy Richard Murphy meets with King Hussein and P.M. Zayd al-Rifa'i in Jordan. After the meeting, the king departs for Baghdad to meet with Iraqi Pres. Saddam Husayn [NYT 1/8].

Other Countries: U.S. prosecutors file sentencing memorandum which accuses Israeli Air Force Col. Aviem Sella of involvement in the Pollard spy ring [NYT 1/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 350 Palestinians demonstrate in front of the Knesset to protest the destruction of Arab houses built without licenses, land confiscation, and other discriminatory policies. Representatives of the demonstrators meet with Labor and Likud members. Demolition orders against 8 houses near Haifa have been delayed [FJ 1/9].

Arab World: Richard Murphy, U.S. asst. sec. of state for Near Eastern and Asian affairs, arrives in Amman. He will also visit Israeli and Egyptian officials on this trip [CSM 1/7].

Other Countries: U.S. prosecutors claim Jonathan Pollard, convicted of spying for Israel, compromised more than 1,000 documents and request stiff sentence [NYT 1/7]. Israel has kept most of the documents supplied by Pollard [LAT, WP 1/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: John Cardinal O'Connor meets with F.M. Peres, visits Gaza Strip, and stresses poverty and statelessness of Palestinians before ending visit to Jordan and Israel [NYT, WP 1/6]. Two Arab houses in Yatta are demolished by Israeli authorities, leaving 15 homeless. Authorities charge the owners did not obtain proper construction permits. In the last week, 6 Arab houses have been demolished by Israeli authorities on similar charges [FJ 1/9].

Arab World: UN Undersec. Gen. for Special Political Affairs meets with Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil and P.M. Karami to discuss renewal of mandate for UN peace-keeping force in Lebanon [WP 1/6].

Military Action

Arab World: Bomb explodes under SLA armored personnel carrier, kills 4, wounds 6 near Markaba, in the "security zone." Police report Israeli helicopters attack Hizballah strongholds in retaliation; Israel denies carrying out such an attack [WP, NYT 1/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: John Cardinal O'Connor visits the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque and meets with Pres. Herzog at the president's mansion [NYT 1/6; WP 1/5]. U.S. defense official arrives in Tel Aviv in an effort to persuade Israel to drop American-funded Lavi project in favor of a less expensive warplane [WP 1/5]. Interior Affairs Minister Peretz resigns rather than obey court order requiring him to register an American convert as a Jew [PI 1/5].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli helicopters attack Khirbat Silim and Qabrikha, believed to be Hizballah bases, as Israeli armored vehicles mass near Bint jubayl. Reports list at least 15 villagers killed or wounded [WP, LAT 1/5]. Palestinian statement says Amal-PLO battles have destroyed more than 85% of Shatila and 50% of Burj al-Barajinah [WP 1/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities lift curfew imposed on Balatta refugee camp 1/1 [FJ 1/9].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli gunboat intercepts the Sunny Boat, a Cypriot passenger ferry bound for Lebanon, in international waters and orders the ship to return to Lamaca. Israeli navy claims ship's passengers included Palestinian "terrorists" [LAT 1/3; NYT 1/4]. Hizballah fighters attack 2 SLA posts near Barashit, killing 6 [FJ 1/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jerusalem, John Cardinal O'Connor apologizes publicly for any offense caused by his cancellation of meetings with Israeli officials [PI 1/2]. Curfew is imposed on Balatta refugee camp following demonstrations marking anniversary of Fateh's founding [FJ 1/9].