The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian journalist Akram Haniyyah states he has given up his legal battle with Israeli authorities, who have refused him permission to examine the secret evidence against him, and will obey his deportation order [BG 12/27].

Arab World: Amal leader Nabih Berri says he is willing to meet with Yasir Arafat to begin negotiations for ending the camps war in S. Lebanon. Villagers clash with Amal forces in Biqa' Valley; 2 are killed, 5 injured [SG 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Palestinians are sentenced to life for the murder of a Jewish seminary student on 11/15 in Jerusalem [FJ 12/25]. Ira Rappaport, convicted on 12/10 in connection with a 1980 bombing, is sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison [WT 12/24].

Other Countries: Italy begins investigation into charges that Mordechai Vanunu was abducted by Mossad in Italy and whether Italian laws may have been violated in the process [NYT 12/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Electric Company (JEC) and Ministry of Energy reach initial agreement whereby JEC gives up concession for Jewish settlements in the occupied territories to Israeli National Electric (IEC). JEC will continue to serve its Palestinian customers [FJ 12/19]. Senior Israeli officials dispute White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan's reported testimony that Israelacked Pres. Reagan's approval for August 1985 arms shipment to Iran [NYT 12/18]. Finance Minister Moshe Nissim announces plan for major reform that would "desocialize" Israel's economy. Histadrut threatens strike if program is implemented [WT 12/18]. Palestinians held in converted Gaza army camp protest conditions and treatment at detention center [FE 12/19]. Jerusalem police arrest 5 Jewish men accused of violence against Palestinians in the last 3 weeks. Charges range from illegal demonstration to stone throwing and battering a small child [F 12/25].

Arab World: Director of PLO Political Department 'Abd al-Latif Abu Hijlah meets with British Foreign Ministry representative Patrick Nixon in Tunis [FJ 12/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 10,000 demonstrators from inside the green line gather in Nazareth to protest force used by Israeli troops in last week's violence. The demonstration, organized by the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, is the largest protest inside the green line since 1982 [FJ 12/19]. Twenty prominent Palestinians issue statement condemning stabbing of an elderly Israeli in Jerusalem on 12/12 [NYT 12/15]. Court orders Justice Minister Avraham Sharir to explain his decision not to extradite William Nakash, a French Jew convicted of murdering an Arab in France [NYT 12/16]. Authorities order confiscation of land in Kufr al-Libbad village. Residents plan to take their protest to Israeli High Court [FJ 12/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Fateh refuses Iran-mediated plan requiring PLO to withdraw from Maghdushah. Fighting between PLO and Amal continues; at least 6 killed in Beirut camps [WP, NYT 12/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ira Rappaport, leader of Israel's Jewish settlement movement, is charged with 1980 bombing that seriously wounded Bassam Shaka'a, former mayor of Nablus. Rappaport surrendered to police when he returned from 3-year stay in U.S. [WP 12/10].

Arab World: Egypt accuses Israel of using "violent repressive measures" against Palestinian protestors in occupied territories [BS 12/10; FJ 12/12].

Other Countries: Before the House Foreign Affairs Com., former U.S. National Security Adviser Robert McFarlane testifies that Israeli official David Kimche supplied him with a list of more than 800 "moderate" Iranian leaders. Vice Adm. John Poindexter, Lt. Col. Oliver North, and retired Air Force Gen. Richard Secord refuse to answer questions before the committee [WSJ 12/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 1,000 students and faculty members hold peaceful march from Birzeit U.'s new campus to the closed old- campus. Israeli troops force businesses in Ramallah, al-Birah, and Nablus to open [FJ 12/12]. Israeli military spokesman says troops fired in self-defense and student demonstration was "prepared in advance" [JP 12/10]. Palestinian youth is shot and seriously wounded in fight with Israeli soldier in Gaza; another is wounded when soldiers fire at stone-throwing marchers. Four Palestinians have been killed, at least 27 wounded in the last 6 days of Arab rioting [NYT, WP 12/10].

Arab World: Soviet ambassador in Beirut says his government is trying to mediate in battle between Amal and PLO [BS 12/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Shamir acknowledges U.S.-Iran arms deal included promises to release Israeli soldiers [BG 12/9].

Arab World: Arab League foreign ministers begin emergency meeting in Tunis to discuss Amal-PLO fighting in Lebanon.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot and kill 12-year-old Palestinian boy, wound 6 [FJ 12/12; WP 12/9]. Preliminary reports indicate shot which killed the Balatta camp youth was not from army issue gun [FJ 12/12]. Shops closed in E. Jerusalem for third straight day [LAT 12/9]. Students at Hebrew University condemn the use of tear gas to disperse demonstrators, call for release of arrested students. Authorities close al-Najah University and old campus of Birzeit University. Al-Najah will reopen 12/16. Old BZU campus will open after Christmnas holiday [FJ 12/12].

Arab World: Continuing clashes between PLO and Amal forces at Shatila and Burj al-Barajinah refugee camps leave 2 dead, 8 wounded. PLO holds off Amal attack at Maghdushah. Syrian, Iranian, and Libyan mediators urge PNSF to call for acease-fire [LAT 12/9]. Cease-fire is broken less than 24 hours after going into effect, but Fateh announces 4-point plan to end fighting [BG 12/9]. 

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dmonstrations and "almost complete" general strike in major W. Bank and Gaza Strip towns protest shootings of Palestinian students. More than 70 demonstrators are arrested. At least 6 Israelis are wounded [NYT 12/7]. Ramallah and al-Birah are placed under curfew; old campus of Birzeit University closed until January while left-wing politicians and press criticize security policies [CSM 12/9].

Arab World: SLA forces fire at Irish UNIFIL post, killing 1 Irish soldier. UNIFIL lodges official complaint with Israeli army [FJ 12/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli reports contend that Israel became involved in the arms deal with Iran after the U.S. requested help in freeing William F. Buckley, CIA agent held hostage in Lebanon [LAT 12/6; BS 12/7]. F. M. Peres calls for international ban on sale of chemical weapon materials to Iraq and Syria UP 12/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli soldiers fire at stone throwers in Balatta refugee camp, killing 14-year-old Palestinian boy [WP, GU 12/6]. Reports indicate the boy was not among those throwing stones. Shops and businesses in Ramallah and Jerusalem close in a 3-day mourning for the victims of the Birzeit University clash [FJ 12/12].

Arab World: Cease-fire talks in Damascus collapse. Reports say as many as 20 are killed, 59 wounded in Palestinian-Amal clashes around Shatila and in hills near Sidon [NYT 12/6; PI 12/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Justice Minister denies France's request to extradite William Nakash, convicted of 1983 murder of an Arab in France [FJ 12/12].

Other Countries: The Times (London) reports discovery of plot to kidnap British ambassador in Turkey and exchange him for arrested members of Abu Nidal organization [LT 12/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers firing to break up student demonstration kill 2 Palestinian students, wound at least 11 others outside Birzeit University. Demonstration was in response to an Israeli military roadblock [FJ, NYT 12/5].

Arab World: Police records reveal that the last two months of fighting between Shi'a and Palestinians in Lebanon have left 550 dead, 2,000 wounded, and large numbers dislocated [NYT 12/5]. Israeli gunboats attack Palestinian refugee camps in S. Lebanon, the third time Israeli military has supported Amal in the last 2 weeks of fighting. Druze and Amal leaders announce draft agreement for solution to camps war. Plan still requires Palestinian support [FT 12/5]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's Supreme Court rules that authorities cannot legally discriminate against converts to Judaism [BG 12/2; LAT 12/3]. P.M. Shamir denies Israel knowingly helped channel funds to Nicaraguan rebels [NYT 12/3].

Other Countries: W. German reports indicate 2 Arabs found guilty of bombing at W. Berlin club in March may have been double agents working for Israel [WP 12/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops, attempting to control demonstration at UNRWA Teachers Training Center in Ramallah, shoot and wound a student in the head. At least 15 others are arrested in protests in the W. Bank 11/30 and 12/1 marking anniversary of the 1947 Palestine partition plan. Four colleges are ordered closed for a week [FJ 12/5].

Arab World: Amal, Sixth Lebanese Army Brigade, and Syrian commandos unite to launch major offensive against Shatila refugee camp. Palestinian forces hold off attackers [FJ 12/5]. Forty-six are killed, 111 wounded in heavy fighting between PLO and Amal forces in Beirut and S. Lebanon. One-day general strike in Sidon protests the on-going battle in that city [BG 12/2]. The Amal and the PNSF are reported to reach agreement on cease-fire in S. Lebanon [JP 12/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports about Israel's role in U.S. arms sales to Iran implicate senior Israeli officials, including P.M. Shamir, F.M. Peres, Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Director-General of Israeli For. Ministry David Kimche, and Israeli businessmen Al Schwimmer and Ya'akov Nimrodi, both involved in the nation's arms industry [WT 11/27]. Israeli officials state that Kimche and Amiram Nir, Peres' adviser on terrorism, are willing to cooperate in American investigation of the arms deal [LAT 11/28]. Former Armenian Bishop Shahe Ajamyan, accused of attempting to bribe the Jerusalem district commissioner, is released after 21 days in detention [FJ 12/5]. Social Improvement Association is established to protect Jerusalem's Arab residents [FJ 1/2].

Arab World: Saudi Arabian government denies 'Adnan Khashoggi organized U.S. shipment of arms to Iran [PI 11/28].

Other Countries: W. Germany expels 2 Syrian diplomats and 2 military attaches, delays replacing its ambassador to Damascus, but maintains diplomatic ties [WSJ 11/28].

Military Actions

Arab World: Israeli jets attack Palestinian bases near Sidon, killing at least 4 and wounding 3. (The Los Angeles Times reports 11 killed and 20 wounded in the raid.) Palestine National Salvation Front and Amal representatives rportedly have agreed to 9-point plan to end the fighting which has so far left 131 dead and 351 wounded [WP, LT 11/27; LAT 11/28]. PLO fighters in Lebanon reject the agreement [FJ 12/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli government acknowledges transferring arms to Iran at U.S. request but denies any financial role in the U.S.-Iran arms sales [WP 11/26, 11/27; NYT 11/26]. Israeli and Palestinian writers gather in Jaffa to express solidarity with journalist Akram Haniyyah and opposition to his deportation order [FJ 11/28]. Israeli troops arrest approximately 150 villagers in Bayt Hanun after a firebomb isthrown at an army jeep [FJ 12/5].

Other Countries: W. German court convicts a Jordanian and a Palestinian of bombing the German Arab Friendship Society on 3/29. Syrian ambassador in E. Berlin denies any Syrian involvement [NYT 11/27].

Military Action

Arab World: PLO and Amal militia continue to fight in W. Beirut and S. Lebanon [NYT 11/27]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F.M. Peres defends Israel's role in the U.S.-Iran arms sales [WP 11/25]. Authorities demolish mosque and private Arab house in Galilee village of Kammani. Government does not recognize Kammani and claims mosque was built illegally [FJ 11/28].

Other Countries: Representatives of Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, U.S., and Turkey meet to discuss U.S. policy on water resources in the Middle East at conference sponsored by Georgetown University's Center for Strategic and International Studies [WP 12/15].

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinians break through Amal lines near Sidon. At least 50 are killed, 85 wounded in the battle [WP, NYT 11/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel continues with plans to expel Palestinian newspaper editor, writer, and poet Akram Haniyyah although he has not been charged with any crime [WP 11/23]. Memorial march for a murdered Jewish student ends in anti-Arab violence in Jerusalem [LAT 11/24; FJ 11/28].

Arab World: Representatives of Fateh and the Syrian-based PFLP meet in Moscow to discuss plans to reconcile the two factions [NYT 11/24]. Egypt's Pres. Mubarak and Jordan's King Hussein end two days of talks in Cairo [LAT 11/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian forces seize Christian village of Maghdushah [F) 11/28]. 14 are killed, 39 wounded in fighting between Palestinians and Amal militiamen throughout Beirut and S. Lebanon [BS 11/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli sources acknowledge that at least 7 shiploads of military supplies have been sent to Iran since 1979 in addition to the U.S.-sponsored sales [LAT 11/22]. Anwar Nusseibeh, a leading Palestinian, dies in Jerusalem after a long illness UP 11/29].

Arab World: Jordan's King Hussein calls U.S. arms sales to Iran an "insult to all Arabs" during summit meeting with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak [WP 11/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian-American Prof. Muhammad Shadid announces that Israeli authorities have revoked his work permit, forcing him to leave the country when his visa expires. Israeli action comes after the publication of a poll Shadid conducted showing that most Palestinians in the W. Bank and Gaza consider the PLO their representative [LAT 11/19; NYT 11/21]. General strike in E. Jerusalem protests Jewish anti-Arab violence that has erupted since the stabbing of a Jewish seminary student [FJ 11/21]. Israeli High Court upholds government decision to confiscate land from Sur Bahir, near Bethlehem. Land owners are fined for delaying forestry projects [FJ 11/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Violence erupts against Arabs in Jerusalem after stabbing death of Jewish seminary student on 11/15. Three Palestinians have been charged with the murder [BG 11/18; JP 11/29]. Members of International Federation of Journalists meet with P.M. Shamir to request release of Palestinian journalist Akram Haniyyah and revocation of his expulsion order [FJ 11/21].

Arab World; Syrian Pres. al-Asad denies British and U.S. accusations of Syrian involvement in failed attempt to bomb El Al jet [NYT 11/17].

Other Countries: The Sunday Times (London) reports that then-P.M. Peres ordered Mossad in September 1986 to capture Mordechai Vanunu and return him to Israel [LT 11/16]. (Vanunu is a former nuclear technician who sold secrets related to underground atomic bomb factory in the Negev to The Times.) Pres. Herzog's visit to Singapore draws angry protest from Southeast Asian Muslims [LT 11/17].

Military Action

Arab World: Two Israeli bombers attack PLO bases near Sidon. Fateh reports heavy casualties and property damage [NYT 11/17]. Witnesses claim 2 PLO members were killed and 5 others wounded in the raid [PI 11/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In response to right-wing protests, human rights activist Anatoly Shcharansky says he didn't know Palestinians he met on 11/9 were pro-PLO (NYT 11/13). IDF soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Gaza after he failed to stop at a roadblock. Israeli is stabbed and wounded by unknown attacker in market (WP 11/13).

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan acknowledges sending military supplies to Iran, defends action as necessary for establishing link to moderate elements there (NYT 11/12).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military authorities order one-week closure of Bethlehem University in response to clashes between students and police (WP 10/31).

Other Countries: Police in Britain announce they have no evidence that Vanunu committed crime, nor evidence that Vanunu, officially listed as missing since 10/8, was abducted (NYT 10/31). French government denies it struck deal with terrorist group to end bombings (WP 10/31).

Military Action

Arab World: Shi'a and Palestinians, fighting around Burj al-Barajinah, close highway to Beirut airport; two are dead, ten wounded, in fighting (JP 10/31).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several thousand people, including several Jews, march to commemorate 30th anniversary of 1956 Kafr Qasim massacre (WP 10/30).

Other Countries: Le Monde reports that Syria helped France reach "truce" with group believed to have exploded bombs in Paris. "Truce" will last until February when Georges Ibrahim 'Abdallah is to stand trial. Meanwhile, Saudi newspaper publishes interview with French interior minister saying Syrian and French secret services were involved in "real cooperation" to prevent terrorist bombings (NYT, WP 10/30).

Military Action

Arab World: In Lebanon, Palestinian Amal rocket and artillery battles spread to Beirut suburb Burj al-Barajinah, which has been quiet since the summer when 200 were killed in Palestinian camps. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt warns Palestinians against using south Lebanon for "military adventurism." AP reports UN and Palestinian sources estimate 3,500 Palestinian guerrillas have returned to refugee camps in Lebanon in past six months (NYT, WP 10/30). Syria begins formation of joint leftist force to fight Fateh in the Lebanese camps. Force would comprise fighters from Druze Progressive Socialist party, Lebanese Ba'th, Syrian Social Nationalist party, and Lebanese Communist party (JP 10/30).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Blind 28-year-old Palestinian is sentenced to life imprisonment for leading a guerrilla band, killing British tourist and Israeli businessman in East Jerusalem (NYT 10/28).

Other Countries: Led by Greece and France, 12-member European Economic Community rebuffs British pressure to adopt punitive sanctions against Syria at foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg (NYT, WP 10/28). U.S. considers sanctions against Syria (NYT 10/28).

Military Action

Arab World: Truce in Lebanon is broken, Amal and Palestinians resume clashes near Sidon (30 killed, 80 wounded) (NYT 10/28).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two Palestinians (Mustafa Mahmud Karush and Tawfiq Ibrahim 'Abdallah) are sentenced to life imprisonment for killing Israeli soldier in November 1984 (WP 10/24).

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian guerrillas in rubber dinghies attack Shi'i militia camp in south Lebanon, killing 5, following overnight clashes between Amal and Palestinians in Rashidiyyah in which 3 residents were killed. Fighting ends Syrian-sponsored truce (NYT 10/24).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel Radio announces Israeli occupation authorities have appointed fourth Arab mayor, Tahir Hijazi, as mayor of 'Anabta municipality in Tulkarm district (FBIS 10/24). Jerusalem Post reports total of four Palestinians have been arrested in connection with 10/15 Jerusalem bombing (JP 10/22).

Arab World: In Lebanon, kidnappers release Lebanese Christian AUB professor after five month detention (NYT 10/23).

Other Countries: Car bomb in Athens kills high-ranking PLO official Munthir Abu Ghazalah (NYT 10/22).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: P. M.-designate Shamir asks U.S. Sec. of State Shultz to close PLO offices in U.S. because PLO claimed responsibility for grenade attack in Jerusalem (WP 10/19).

Military Action

Arab World: Amal hints at willingness to exchange captured Israeli pilot for Lebanese and Palestinian captives held by Israel and SLA (WP, NYT 10/19).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Board chairman of Cairo-Amman bank says opening of Nablus branch of bank is delayed due to "building repairs and employee training" (FBIS 10/20). Third Palestinian is arrested in connection with 10/15 Jerusalem bombing. All three suspects claim to be members of Islamic Jihad (JP 10/20).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF search for Israeli fighter pilot missing off Lebanese coast near Sidon (WP 10/18).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Peres and Shamir reach compromise on new government, ending three-day deadlock (WP, NYT 10/17). Israeli Foreign Ministry delivers protest to Egyptian ambassador on PLO statement of involvement in 10/15 bombing in Jerusalem announced from Cairo (NYT 10/17). Israeli police arrest two Palestinians in connection with 10/15 bombing (JP 10/20). Israel bans suspects (residents of West Bank) from crossing Jordan River into Jordan (NYT 10/17).

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli Phantom jet shot down over Lebanon, while IDF warplanes launch large-scale attack on Palestinian camp of Mieh Mieh, 13th and reportedly largest raid this year (4 are killed, 12 wounded). Warships bombard camp from Sidon coast. Israeli helicopters rescue one of the crewmen 90 minutes after plane was shot down; other crewmen are reportedly held by Shi'i militiamen (WP, NYT 10/17; WP 10/18).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Israel, transfer of power is postponed indefinitely. Knesset passes vote of confidence in Shamir (NYT 10/16). One person killed, 70 injured in Jerusalem as three grenades are thrown at group of IDF soldiers in swearing-in ceremony at Western Wall; area is sealed off as police search for suspects (NYT, WP 10/16). Responsibility for attack is claimed by PLO, DFLP, and Abu Nidal group (NYT 10/17). Twenty-nine Palestinians, including six children under 11, are detained (FJ 10/17).

Other Countries: At UN, representatives of nine countries involved in UNIFIL meet to discuss new protective measures. UN Secretary General Perez de Cuellar proposes spending an extra $10.5 million on 30 armored vehicles, reinforcement of UNIFIL positions, creation of three new positions, and shifting of headquarters (JP 10/6).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot and wound 17-year-old Palestinian who fails to stop at checkpoint (FJ 10/17).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials refuse comment on report on nuclear weapons factory (JP 10/6).

Other Countries: In London, Sunday Times reports Israel secretly manufactures nuclear weapons at Dimona in southern Negev and has stockpiled at least 100 nuclear weapons, making it sixth-ranked nuclear power in the world. Story is based on testimony of Mordechai Vanunu (ST 10/5; NYT 10/7; WP 10/6).

Military Action

Arab World: Amal and Palestinians fight for sixth consecutive day. Later in day, fighting eases as cease-fire is announced. Representatives of Amal and Palestinian National Salvation Front meet with Syrian V.P. Khaddam (NYT 10/6).