The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At inner cabinet meeting ministers Yitzhaq Modai and Ariel Sharon call for Israeli annexation of occupied territories; ministers from Labor party counter that annexation of 850,000 W. Bank Palestinians would dilute the Jewish character of Israel [WP 8/4]. In Nablus total strike is observed [FJ 8/7].

Arab World: In Baghdad the PLO announces it will perform duties of legitimate representative of Palestinian people; it gives little indication how it will carry out its new duties in territories [WP 8/4].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF destroys 10 homes, seals 2 of families of people suspected of throwing Molotov cocktails at army patrols, settlers [WP 8/4, FJ 8/7]. In Nablus Israeli troops use rubber bullets, helicopters to quell demonstrators. In Irtas, near Bethlehem, troops arrest 11. Clashes occur in Salfit, Jabalya, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, Beach, Bayt Hanun, and Bayt Lahiya [FJ 8/7].

Other Countries: Negotiations in U.S. Congress clear way for Kuwait to buy sophisticated weapons from U.S.; restriction will be placed on the weapons to ensure Israeli security [WP 8/4].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot dead 3 Palestinians-2 demonstrators in Kifrit, Hebron man throwing firebomb [NYT 7/21, FJ 7/24]. In Nablus 12 Palestinians are injured in clashes [FJ 7/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Six-month jail terms and fines of $2500 are given to four Israeli activists who met with members of the PLO in 1984 [WP 7/1]. Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli ambassador to the UN, Benjamin Begin, son of the former prime minister, and Labor Minister Moshe Katzav take the first three positions on the Herut list for the fall elections in preliminary vote [WP 7/1].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 20-year-old Palestinian who was shot during clash in Bayt Furik two-weeks earlier dies [FJ 7/3]. According to Israel Radio, troops used tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes with demonstrators at the funeral in Nablus of a man who suffocated in clashes on 6/29 [FJ 7/3]. In Gaza City troops arrest 50 after firebomb hits military vehicle [FJ 7/3]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The New York Times reports that leaflet no. 20 of the Unified National Command of the Uprising suggests ways to end the intifadah: 1) deploying international observer force in the occupied territories; 2) holding municipal elections; 3) implementing Fourth Geneva Convention; 4) withdrawing IDF troops from populated areas; 5) releasing prisoners and closing prison camps; 6) repatriating deportees; 7) respecting principles of human rights. A senior Israeli military officer states that: "There's nothing to respond to" [NYT 6/28].

Arab World: Salah Khalaf criticizes recent statement by Bassam Abu Shaif as containing "vain political gestures" [WT 6/29].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops fire on demonstrators, wounding 12-year-old and 18-year-old. [FJ 7/3]. In Bethlehem a firebomb hits bus carrying Arab workers across the Green Line; 1 woman is slightly injured [FJ 7/3]. In Gaza over 160,000 people are placed under curfew [FJ 7/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Eight villages in the Hebron area are placed under curfew following the stabbing death of an Israeli [FJ 6/26]. The Burayj refugee camp is suffering from a water shortage; UNRWA distributes water in buckets to residents [FJ 6/26].

Arab World: The Washington Times reports PLO has told U.S. State Dept. officials that an article by Bassam Abu Sharif constitutes PLO policy [WT 6/21].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli settlers block roads in the Hebron area following the murder of an Israeli [FJ 6/26]. A firebomb in Gaza City injures 2 soldiers [FJ 6/26]. Clashes are reported in Beach, Jabalya, and Khan Yunis refugee camps [FJ 6/26].

Other Countries: American and Israeli officials announce that Syria and China are discussing the sale of short-range missiles to Damascus [NYT 6/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories including East Jerusalem. The IDF closes schools in the occupied territories for two days [NYT 6/16, FJ 6/19].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot, kill 21-year-old Palestinian armed with a firebomb; another Palestinian is shot and wounded in a similar incident [NYT 6/16]. In Bethlehem a 14-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed [FJ 6/19]. In Jabalya 15 Palestinians are reported injured during clashes with troops; clashes are also reported in Nablus, Hebron, Yatta, Balatah, 'Askar, Kafar Malik, Beach camp [FJ 6/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Knesset defeats two bills that would give Orthodox Jewish authorities the power to decide who is eligible for the right of return [NYT 6/15].

Other Countries: The U.S. criticizes Israeli policy allowing Israeli civilians to shoot on sight Palestinians carrying firebombs. State Dept. calls deportation of Mubarak 'Awad "unjustifiable" [WT 6/15]. 'Awad reiterates his willingness to convert to Judaism in order to return to Jerusalem [NYT 6/15].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 IDF officers are severely injured in firebomb attack in the village of Bayt 'Umar; the village is placed under curfew [NYT 6/16]. Curfews are issued for 11 locations in the occupied territories [FJ 6/19]. Israel announces the establishment of a new police team to combat the outbreak of brush and forest fires [CSM 6/15]. Clashes are reported in Nablus, Bayt Furik, Bayt Dajan, 'Azmut, Salim, and throughout the Gaza Strip [FJ 6/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Report issued by 6 Israeli doctors concludes IDF should stop using high velocity bullets that have left 15 people fully or partially paralyzed. Report also accuses the army of misusing tear gas. Faysal al-Husayni is released after 9 months without charge or trial [WP 6/10, LAT 6/12]. Ya'akov Orr, military commander of the Gaza Strip, states that 25% of the 200 Palestinian police that resigned during the uprising have returned to work [WP 6/9].

Arab World: At Arab summit, Arab states pledge to support Palestinian uprising with "all possible means," refuse to state dollar amount of support. Arab leaders also refuse to dismiss George Shultz' peace plan, while reaffirming the PLO's position as sole representative of the Palestinian people [WP 6/10, LAT 6/10].

Other Countries: Israeli P.M. Shamir and Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze meet for 2 hours at the UN, announce that planned visit of Israeli consular team to Moscow will take place in July. Shevardnadze also states diplomatic relations between the 2 will not be restored until Israel agrees to international peace conference [NYT 6/10]. At meeting of the Socialist International in Madrid the Palestinian intifadah is called a response to "the unbearable social conditions existing in the territories occupied by Israel" [FJ 6/12].

Military Occupied

Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations in honor of the 6-month anniversary of the uprising erupt on the W. Bank leaving 2 Palestinians dead, at least 4 more injured. In Sebastiya a 16-year-old isshot dead while trying to hurl a rock at soldiers [WP 6/10, FJ 6/12]. 18-year-old male and 12-year-old girl are shot during demonstrations in Tulkarm. Shopowners observe a strike in the territories, including East Jerusalem [LAT 6/12]. Afternoon demonstrations erupt in Gaza City. One of the injured claims soldiers tied him up and dragged him behind a jeep [WP 6/9]. Two IDF officers are slightly injured when their jeep is attacked with Molotov cocktails [WP 6/10]. In Gaza, soldiers order a man out of his house and then demolished with a bulldozer; army says the man had tried to burn down a local government building [NYT 6/10]. Demonstrations in Bayt Furik leave 27 Palestinians injured [FJ 6/12]. In Balatah 100 Palestinians are arrested [FJ 6/121

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Tukarm camp is placed under curfew following clashes 5/21 that left a woman dead [WP 5/23]. Schools open in East Jerusalem for the first time in four months [WP 5/23].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A firebomb intended for Israeli soldiers kills a Palestinian man and his mother in Shuwayka. A third Palestinian dies of gunshot wounds suffered during clash with Israeli troops [5/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian dies of woundsustained 3/30 in Qabatiyyah clash with Israeli troops [WP 5/13; LAT 5/15]. P.M. Shamir visits Hebron. Israeli officials announce schools in occupied territories will begin reopening 5/23 [NYT 5/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, soldiers open fire, wounding 5 [WP 5/13]. At Haram al-Sharif, police arrest 38 Palestinians demonstrating after Laylat al-Qadr services; at least 7 are wounded. [WP 5/14; LAT 5/15] In W. Bank village of Qabatiyyah, Palestinian is shot dead while trying to escape arrest [LAT 5/15]. Israel announces daily curfew in Qalqiliyyah from 6 pm to 4 am. Police car is destroyed in firebomb attack in Jericho. Military imposes curfew in Sha'jiyyah and Tuffah quarters of Gaza City following stonethrowing incidents [FJ 5/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza City, 3 Palestinians are killed and 2 soldiers slightly injured: army claims soldiers were trying to rescue alleged collaborator from mob and opened fire in self-defense; Palestinians claim family members were coming to rescue youth being arrested when troops opened fire, killing 3 and wounding 1 [WP 4/3]. In Bethlehem violent demonstration erupts after soldiers attempto break commercial strike; soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse youths throwing rocks, bottles, and Molotov cocktails; Palestinian is shot, wounded, and later dies. Protesters rally in streets after funeral, smashing windows at municipality building and demanding Mayor Ilyas Furayj's resignation [WP 4/3]. Two Palestinians are shot dead by soldiers in Ramallah-area villages of Bayt Liqya and Dayr Sudan [WP 4/3]. Gaza Strip's Jabalya, Beach, and Nusayrat camps are under curfew. Curfew continues in Jalazun camp [FJ 4/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Court sentences to 2 and a half months imprisonment 2 Israeli soldiers who plead guilty to shameful conduct for their part in burying 4 Palestinians alive [WP 3/18; NYT 3/19]. Charges were reduced from aggravated assault [FJ 3/20]. Trial opens in Jaffa of 2 soldiers and their superior officer in connection with 2/24 beating of 2 Palestinians that was filmed by CBS camera crew. Soldiers plead not guilty to assault charges; 2 others have already been convicted in connection with incident [WP, NYT 3/18]. Israeli is shot, wounded in legs near Gaza Strip's Jabalya camp. Curfew is imposed after attack [NYT 3/18]. In Ramallah, Israeli officials destroy olive grove along road where Jewish settlers' bus was bumed in firebomb attack [NYT 3/18; FJ 3/20]. Israeli authorities close shops and markets in Jericho; shops remain closed in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm [FJ 3/20].

Other Countries: P.M. Shamir meets with Sec. of State Shultz and members of House of Representatives before leaving Washington for Los Angeles [WP 3/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In effort to break strike in occupied territories, soldiers order shops closed until noon and opened in afternoon [WP, NYT 3/18]. In Am'ari camp, demonstration erupts during funeral of Palestinian who died 3/16 from tear gas; 6 are injured in subsequent clash with Israeli troops. Qalqiliyyah, 'Azzun, and Jalazun camps are under curfew [FJ 3/20].

Arab World: IDF fighter planes raid DFLP base near Beirut; Palestinian fighter is killed [WP 3/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 200,000-250,000 Israelis demonstrate in support of P.M. Shamir's rejection of U.S. peace proposals during rally organized by Gush Emunim [NYT 3/14; WJW 3/17]. Palestinian wounded by army gunfire in 3/11 clash in Biddu, near Ramallah, dies [NYT 3/14; FJ 3/20]. Israel responds to buming of 2 fuel trucks and stoning of others by cutting of gasoline supplies to Palestinian-owned service stations in occupied W. Bank. Police spokesman confirmed that more than half of the estimated 850 Palestinian policemen in the occupied territories have resigned. Military court indicts soldier from Givati brigade for manslaughter; soldier allegedly shot Palestinian who cursed him [WP 3/14]. In al-Birah, Israeli bus is destroyed in firebomb attack [FJ 3/20]. Sa'd Saftawi, head of a Gaza UNRWA school, is taken into administrative dtention [FJ 3/20]. Claiming land belongs to state, members of "Green Patrol" destroy 3,000 dunums of wheat and barley on Arab-owned land in Negev [FJ 3/20].

Arab World: Reports indicate UNRWA has decided to resume some activities in northem Lebanon and Biqa' Valley [FJ 3/13].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports 1985 memo reveals Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese and E. Robert Wallach briefed then-P. M. Peres on plans for pipeline from Iraq to Jordan [WP 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Violent clashes are reported in Jenin; authorities close entrances to refugee camp and erect cement barrier at city's eastem entrance. At least 86 are injured in Gaza Strip demonstrations [FJ 3/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian shot, wounded when he allegedly tried to attack Israeli soldier in al-Burayj camp 3/4 dies in Gaza hospital [WP 3/6].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz retums to U.S. from Middle East trip [NYT 3/6]. New York Times reports former Sec. of State Henry Kissinger urged Am. Jewish leaders to withhold criticism of Israel and voiced support for media ban in W. Bank and Gaza Strip and Israeli use of force [NYT 3/5]. Reagan administration endorses letter signed by 30 senators criticizing P.M. Shamir for rejection of land for peace formula [WP 3/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF troops fire on demonstrators in Dahariyyah near Hebron, killing 2 Palestinians. In northem Israel, 4 Israelis are wounded by Katyusha rocket fired from S. Lebanon. Soldiers raid Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah and arrest about 50 Palestinians [WP 3/6]. Troops conduct mass nighttime arrests in several W. Bank camps [FJ 3/13]. Palestinian youth is shot dead by Israeli troops during clash in Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah village [WQP 3/28]. In Qalandiya refugee camp, near Jerusalem, protesters attack IDF patrol with stones, Molotov cocktails [Fl 3/13]. Students demonstrate in Ramallah after failed attempt to enter Birzeit U. [Fl 3/13]. Clashes between Israeli troops and tire-burning Palestinians are reported in Ramallah, Qalqiliyyah, and Abu Dis village. At least 3 are injured by army gunfire in Jenin. Curfews are in force in Burayj, Dayr al-Balah, and 'Arrub camps, Khadir village, and Bani Na'im village [Fl 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Shamir threatens to force early elections unless Israeli govemment unifies stand on peace process before arrival of U.S. sec. of state Shultz [NYT 2/23]. In Kafr Ni'mah, hundreds march, carry Palestinian flags to protest shooting death of village resident 2/20 [FJ 2/28]. Ramallah water department decides not to collect money for water from residents of Ramallah's refugee camps [FJ 2/28].

Other Countries: Atty. Gen. Meese's lawyers release memo in which E. Robert Wallach detailed arrangement with then P.M. Peres to send Israel's Labor party a share of profits from proposed Iraqi pipeline project [WP 2/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In W. Bank village of Silat al-Khartihiyyah, protester is wounded by army gunfire. In Ramallah Israeli soldier is injured in attempted stabbing; Palestinian attacked is also wounded [NYT 2/23]. In village of Baqa al-Sharqiyyah on W. Bank, Palestinian youth is shot, killed during demonstration, apparently by Israeli settler. In village of Yamun, IDF patrol opens fire on crowd throwing stones and Molotov cocktails, killing 1. Death toll since uprising began 12/9 is now at least 61 [LAT 2/24]. Violent clashes are also reported in Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Rafah, and Nusayrat and Jabalya camps [FJ 2/28]. Army imposes curfew in Nahalin village after fire bomb is thrown at Israeli military vehicle; curfews continue in Qalqiliyyah town, Tulkarm camp, Zanabah village, and Am'ari and Jalazun camps [FJ 2/28]. Soldiers close entrance to Qalandiya camp [FJ 2/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israel says it has begun jamming Radio al-Quds broadcasts [WP 2/14]. Other Countries: Ibrahim Khalid, Palestinian involved in 1985 attack on Rome airport, receives 30-year prison sentence. Sabri al-Banna (Abu Nidal) and Rashid Hamida are sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment [NYT 2/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, soldiers fire tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition in battle with violent crowd throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails; 2 Palestinians are killed. At least 5 are wounded by gunfire, another 12 by beatings [NYT, WP 2/13]. Soldiers break into Nablus' Ittihad Hospital, beat and detain 4 Palestinians giving blood [WP 2/13]. Military-imposed curfews continue in Tulkarm, Tulkarm camp, Qalqiliyyah, 'Anabta, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, and Bayt Ummar. Am'ari, Jalazun, Beach, and Dayr al-Balah camps are placed under curfew following demonstrations [FJ2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In al-Birah, firebomb attack on car seriously injures Jewish settler [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Commercial strike in E. Jerusalem, W.Bank, and Gaza Strip continues [FJ 2/7]. Hebron U. reopens [FJ 2/7]. Other Countries: Charles Hill, executive assistant to U.S. Sec. of State Shultz, holds talks with Nimrod Novik, senior advisor to F. M. Peres [NYT 2/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up rockthrowing demonstrations i Bethlehem, Hebron, Gaza Strip, and E. Jerusalem. Dayr al-Balah and Balatah are placed under curfew [LAT 2/2]. At least 42 Palestinians are shot, injured by soldiers during fierce battles in Nablus. Curfew isimposed on Nablus and Jalazun, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', and old and new 'Askar camps. Village of Ithna, near Hebron, is declared closed military area. Violent demonstrations are reported in Ramallah, al-Birah, Bayt Sahur, and Am'ari camp [FJ 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Commercial strike continues in E. Jerusalem. Stores open in Gaza City [WP 1/27]. Shopowners heed call of Unified National Command for the Uprising in the Occupied Territories, strike in many W. Bank cities and towns [LAT 1/27]. Trials of Gazans arrested during uprising slow to "standstill" as scores of defendants demand full hearings [FBIS 1/27]. Moshe 'Amirav leaves Herut Movement after being removed from its central com. [FBIS 1/27]. Israeli authorities order al-Fajr's Gaza office closed for 1 year [FJ 1/3 1]. Hebron U. reopens after 1-month military-ordered closure [FJ 1/31].

Arab World: In Beirut, Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine says fate of 4 Beirut University College professors it is holding hostage is linked to Israeli arrests of Palestinians inoccupied territories [WP 1/27].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. announces Sec. of State Shultz will meet with al-Fajr editor Hanna Siniora and Gaza attorney Fayiz Abu Rahmah. Egypt's Pres. Husni Mubarak arrives in Washington for 3-day official visit. Elyakim Rubinstein, Israeli cabinet sec., holds talks with Charles Hill, aide to Sec. of State Shultz [NYT 1/27].

Military Action Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire on demonstrators in Gaza Strip's Jenin refugee camp, wounding 1. Curfew on Jabalya is lifted but reimposed after crowds throw Molotov cocktails at Israeli patrol [WP 1/27; FJ 1/31]. In the West Bank, military imposes curfews on village of Qabatiyyah and Jenin camp following violent demonstrations. Curfews imposed on Tulkarm and Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta are lifted; military lifts curfew on Balata, declares camp closed military zone. Sa'ir village remains under siege and nearby village of al-Shuyukh is also blockaded. Israeli troops use rubber bullets to disperse stone-throwing crowd in Jalazun refugee camp, injuring 1; another Jalazun resident is severely beaten. Curfew is imposed on camp. Demonstrations are also reported in al-Birah and Ramallah [FJ 1/31].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes stage mock raids over Sidon, drawing anti-aircraft fire [FBIS 1/27].