The Palestine Chronology

Third International Conference in Support of the Islamic Intifada in Palestine opens in Beirut. Speakers include Fateh-Uprising's Sa'id Musa Muragha (Abu Musa), Hizballah Gen. Secy. 'Abbas Musawi, representatives from Islamic Jihad [in o.t.], Hizballah Palestine. (Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran 12/24 in FBIS 12/26)

After several days of talks with Syrian, Lebanese delegations but stand-off with Palestinian, Jordanian delegates, Israeli negotiators end current round of talks and leave Washington. New round scheduled for January. (MM 12/19)

As friction between IDF, settlers escalates over how to respond to Palestinian attacks on settlers, DM Arens meets with settlement leaders in Jerusalem, calls for halt to violent responses to such attacks. In a separate incident, representatives from settlements meet and decide to defy IDF roadblocks recently established to forestall intercommunal violence. Meeting also decided to establish "security patrols" to guard settlers. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 12/18 in FBIS 12/18)

IDF troops encounter masked suspect amid large gathering of demonstrators in Gaza. Ensuing chase leaves one IDF officer, at least 10 Palestinians wounded. (NYT 12/19)

Turkey announces intent to improve diplomatic relations with Israel by replacing its charge d'affaires with an ambassador. Turkey also states intent to exchange ambassadors with Palestine. (MM 12/19)

Palestinian, Israeli delegates continue meeting in corridor at State Dept. (MM 12/12)

Following recent decisions allowing them to move into disputed homes in Silwan, settlers from El Ad group move into six homes under police escort. Settlers evict Palestinian family from one of the houses, but are later removed themselves by police. (MM 12/12)

81 international banks sign agreement extending $5.5 billion loan to Kuwait, largest loan ever borrowed by a country. (MM 12/12)