The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: State Department official acknowledges that Robert Pelletreau, ambassador to Tunisia and only U.S. official authorized to meet with PLO, has met with Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad), second in command of PLO [WP 6/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian accused of abducting American relief worker Christopher George is shot, killed by Israeli troops [FBIS 6/29]. At least 10 Palestinians are wounded during clashes with troops in W. Bank. At least 3 Palestinian homes are demolished in Gaza [FBIS 6/29]. Explosion at Ramle bus station wounds 4 Israelis [FBIS 6/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: European Community calls for intemational Middle East peace conference with PLO participation, settlement based on UN resolutions 242 and 338, legitimate rights of Palestinians. Austria announces that it will not appoint new ambassador to Israel; Israel has refused to send ambassador to Austria to protest Kurt Waldheim's election as president [FBIS 6/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Rafah troops fire on demonstrators, wounding 3 [FBIS 6/28]. In Tarma in Galilee Israeli officials destroy 2 Palestinian homes [FBIS 6/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: UNESCO condemns closure of schools in O.T. [FJ 6/26]. The Socialist International calls on all parties in Middle East to participate in international peace conference; Israel's Labor party boycotts meeting because PLO was invited to send observer [FJ 6/26, MET 7/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus 50- year-old Palestinian suspected of collaboration is found dead [FBIS 6/21, MET 7/4]. At least 5 Palestinians are shot, injured during clashes in W. Bank. In Gaza Strip soldiers shoot 20 Palestinians during demonstrations [FJ 6/26].

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb PFLP-GC base 15 miles south of Beirut killing 1 Arab, wounding 6 [NYT 6/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Boutros Ohali meets with Palestinians from O.T., P. M. Shamir. Palestinians give Ohali 11 point plan that is basis for peace [FBIS 6/13]. Israel refuses Egyptian offer to mediate between Israel and PLO [LAT 6/13]. Israel begins issuing new identification cards, which allow Gazans to work in Israel, to Gazans who have paid taxes and have not been convicted of security offenses [NYT 6/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian from Gaza dies of wounds received earlier in uprising. At least 7 Palestinians are injured in O.T. [FBIS 6/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Boutros Ohali, Egypt's minister of state for foreign affairs, visits Israel, states that PLO, Arab states view peace proposal as insincere [LAT, FBIS 6/12]. Israel lifts week-long curfew in Gaza Strip [LAT 6/12]. Israel charges 8 Israeli peace activists with contacting PLO [LAT 6/12].

Other Countries: Secretary of State Baker announces that he will send high level representative to Israel to ascertain Shamir's government commitment to election plan [WP 6/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tel Aviv 2 Palestinians-ages 15 and 17-die from wounds received 6/10 in Jabalya [FBIS 6/12, FJ 6/19]. At least 12 Palestinians are injured in Jabalya [FJ 6/19]. After 12 days Israelifts curfew on Tulkarm [FBIS 6/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Members of Likud Central Committee living in settlements in O.T. vote to support plan for elections in O.T. [FBIS 6/8].

Other Countries: West Germany's Social Democratic party recognizes PLO as sole representative of Palestinian people [FBIS 6/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Body of 30-year-old Palestinian suspected of collaboration is found. IDF demolishes 2 houses in Gaza [FBIS 6/7]. At least 8 Palestinians are injured throughout O.T. [FBIS 6/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's attorney general orders investigation into whether Ariel's order that Palestinian workers wear special identification badges incites racism [NYT 6/6]. President Herzog reduces sentences of 3 members of Jewish underground; originally sentenced to life in prison, they will most likely serve 7 years for murdering 3 Palestinians, wounding 30 [FBIS 6/6]. General strike observes 22nd anniversary of 1967 war [FBIS 6/5].

Other Countries: Labib al-Tarazi, PLO envoy to UN, meets with U. S. ambassador to UN Thomas Pickering. Pickering says that he met with PLO representative in role of president of Security Council for June, not as U.S. representative [FBIS 6/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel carries out "initiated operation" in Bayta, wounds 2 Palestinians [FBIS 6/5]. In O.T. at least 10 Palestinians are injured during clashes with troops [FBIS 6/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: According to survey 48% of Arabs in Israel live below the official poverty line, 33% of Arab academics are unemployed [FBIS 5/31].

Arab World: U.A.E. president Nuhayyan declares that the federation will give $10 million to support the intifadah [FBIS 5/25]. Saudi Arabia gives PLO $12 million for same purpose [FBIS 5/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bethlehem body of 37-year-old Palestinian is found shot to death [FBIS 5/25]. At least 14 Palestinians are shot, injured throughout Gaza Strip. In Hussan at least 30 Palestinians are arrested [FJ 5/29].

Arab World: Israeli forces shell Kafr Rumman in S. Lebanon [FBIS 5/26].

Other Countries: In Washington Israeli defense minister Rabin reveals that over last 5 years U.S. military has conducted over 30 troop exercises in Israel [LAT 5/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel lifts curfew on part of Gaza Strip, refuses to allow Gazans to reporto work inside green line. Palestinians report that Israeli authorities have ordered them to stop exporting citrus from Gaza. Tel Aviv mayor Shlomo Lahat says that the city will no longer employ Palestinians for street cleaning, garbage collecting, sanitation work: "I don't want to discriminate and make them take only this kind of job, which has been the case up until now" [NYT 5/19]. Israel bans Druze leader from Galilee from entering O.T. for 1 year [FBIS 5/18].

Arab World: Jordan's king Hussein calls Israel's election proposal an attempt to "waste time" [LAT 5/19]. PLO calls on UN to take "practical measures to protect the residents of the West Bank and Gaza" [FBIS 5/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In E. Jerusalem 20-year-old Palestinian from Duhayshah dies from wounds received 2 weeks earlier. In Jamma'in troops open fire, kill Palestinian [FBIS 5/18]. IDF troops shoot, kill Palestinian youth from Nusayrat camp [FBIS 5/19]. At least 3 Palestinians are shot, injured in Tulkarm camp [FBIS 5/18].

Arab World: Soldiers of the Israeli-backed South Lebanese Army (SLA) wound 2 Irish UNIFIL troops in the Israeli-imposed "security zone" [FBIS 5/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's cabinet endorses Shamir's election proposal, 20-6 [NYT 5/15, MET 5/23].

Arab World: Syria announces it will not oppose Egypt participation in upcoming (5/23) Arab summit; Egypt was suspended from Arab League following 1979 treaty with Israel. Syrian, PLO officials schedule meetings during Arab summit [NYT 5/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In northern Israel Palestinian shoots, slightly injures 2 policemen before being seriously wounded [MET 5/23]. In Gaza 25-year-old Palestinian, suspected of collaboration, is found dead. Israeli troops shoot, wound 8 Palestinians in O.T. In Gaza curfew confines 210,000 Palestinians to their homes [NYT 5/13].

Arab World: Land mine kills SLA soldier, wounds another in Israeli-imposed "security zone" in S. Lebanon [MET 5/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israel asks U.S. for $1.2 billion in economic support, $1.8 billion in military aid for upcoming fiscal year [MET 5/23].

Other Countries: Greek court rules that U.S. can extradite Muhammad Rashid, Palestinian suspected of killing American in 1982 hijacking; earlier courts had ruled that Rashid could not be extraditedue to political nature of crime [FBIS 5/12, NYT 5/13]. World Health Organization (WHO) postpones PLO's request for full membership until next year, increases aid to O.T. [NYT 5/13, FJ 5/15].

SociaL/Economic/Political

Other Countries: World Health Organization (WHO) postpones vote for 48 hours on PLO's application for full membership [WP 5/11]. Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops shoot, kill 18-year-old Palestinian in Qaddurah camp [FBIS 5/10, FJ 5/15]. Near Bethlehem 26-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed by troops. At least 12 Palestinians are shot, wounded throughout O.T. [FJ 5/16]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed throughout O.T. [FBIS 5/9].

Other Countries: PLO officially asks UNESCO to upgrade its status from observer status to full membership [FBIS 5/10]. U.S. Justice Department official states that U.S. representatives met with Israeli representatives concerning the Pollard case [WP 5/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Salfit troops shoot, kill Palestinian, wound 2 others [FBIS 5/9, FJ 5/15]. At least 6 Palestinians are injured throughout O.T. [FJ 5/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli inquiry into killing of 5 Palestinians in Nahalin (4/13) finds border police opened fire without restraint, action may be taken against 7 soldiers, 4 officers [NYT, LAT 5/5]. Israeli military prosecutor accuses Birzeit University professor Sari Nusaybeh of planning financial, operational aspects of intifadah [NYT 5/5].

Arab World: In response to Arafat's declaration that PLO Charter is "null and void," DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah states that PLO's current program supersedes all previous positions [FBIS 5/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hebron resident is shot, killed by troops at IDF roadblock inside green line [FBIS 5/4, FJ 5/8]. Israeli settlers set fire to full mosque, shoot, wound 5 Palestinians in Hebron [LAT 5/5]. At least 3 Palestinians from Gaza are shot by troops [FJ 5/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Civil administration in Gaza reports that since beginning of intifadah (12/9/87) Beach camp has spent 190 days (not consecutive) under curfew; Jabalya 164 days; Dayr al-Balah 116 days; Khan Yunis camp 105 days; Rafah's Shabura quarter 137 days; Rafah's G and O quarters 122 days; al-Shaja'iyah 40 days [FBIS 5/3].

Other Countries: Italian parliament upgrades status of PLO to "general delegation" of Palestine; new status is below full diplomatic recognition [FBIS 5/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian stabs, kills 2 Israelis, injures 4 others in Jerusalem [FBIS 5/3, MET 5/16]. In Duhayshah troops shoot, injure at least 25 Palestinians, demolish 5 homes. At least 10 Palestinians are injured throughout O.T. [FJ 5/8]. Israeli soldier disappears north of Gaza Strip [LAT 5/8].

Arab World: Israel shells S. Lebanon village of Nabatiyyah [FBIS 5/3]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities prevent Palestinians from O.T. from entering al-Aqsa mosque to celebrate Leilat al-Qadr (the night the Qur'an was revealed) [FJ 5/8]. Rabin states that Jewish settlements in O.T. do not enhance security, army cannot protect settlers from stone throwers [MET 5/9].

Other Countries: Visiting Paris, Arafat calls PLO Charter "null and void" [FBIS 5/3]. Sec. of State Baker sends Shamir, Rabin letter suggesting that Palestinians outside of O.T. be allowed to participate in Israeliproposed elections [FBIS 5/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Visnews, London-based television news service, films Israeli soldiers forcing Palestinian teenager to sit in front of jeep as shield against rock throwers [LAT 5/3]. In W. Bank soldiers injure at least 6 Palestinians. At least 9 Palestinians are injured in Gaza Strip [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: 'Issam Salem, aide to Arafat, is shot, critically wounded in Sidon [LAT 5/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Group representing 400 Israeli professors states that there is no justification for closure of W. Bank, Gazan universities [FJ 5/8].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Baker says he favors cut off of U.S. money to UN agencies that grant full membership to PLO [NYT 5/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 9-year-old Palestinian from Tulkarm camp dies from wounds received previous week; in wake of death riots break out in Tulkarm camp, 3 Palestinians are injured [FBIS 5/2, FJ 5/8]. In Tulkarm Palestinian accused of collaborating is stabbed, killed. Soldiers injure at least 13 Palestinians throughout Gaza [FJ 5/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 80 leading Palestinians from O.T. issue statement rejecting Shamir's call for elections in territories, calling on Israel to negotiate with PLO, attend international peace conference [NYT, LAT 4/27]. General strike is observed throughout O.T. [FJ 5/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm camp troops shoot, kill 8-year-old Palestinian; 7 Palestinians are wounded at funeral. In Sabra troops open fire, kill 16-year-old Palestinian, wound 9 during demonstration. Troops shoot, kill 14-year-old Palestinian in Beach camp. In al-Shaja'iyah 14 Palestinians are wounded during protests [FBIS 4/27, FJ 5/1]. At Ansar 3 guards open fire with rubber bullets, tear gas and wound 5 during protest [FBIS 4/27].

Arab World: According to Beirut radio, IDF, SLA kill 8 Arabs in al-Qawzah [FBIS 4/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Diplomats representing Spain, Greece, France (the countries that are developing European Community's position toward Israeli-Arab conflict) attempt to visit Nahalin, but are tumed back by IDF [FJ 5/1].

Arab World: PLO announces that it has received $12 million from Saudis to support intifadah [FBIS 4/26].

Other Countries: The Soviet Foreign Ministry criticizes Shamir's election proposal as insufficient. Aides to Italian P.M. de Mita state that Italy is prepared to underwrite $75 million aid package for O.T. [FBIS 4/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Rafah troops open fire, kill Palestinian [FBIS 4/26, FJ 5/1]. In Gaza Strip troops injure 19 Palestinians. Troops wound 4 Palestinians in Hebron [FBIS 4/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Italian prime minister de Mita visits Israel [FBIS 4/24].

Arab World: PLO officially notifies U.S. of rejection of Israeli election plan [FBIS 4/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza at least 30 Palestinians are injured during protests marking battle of Badr in which Muhammad defeated non-believers. At least 8 Palestinians are reported injured in W. Bank [FJ 5/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hungarian foreign minister Kovacs visits Israel, discusses bilateral relations [FBIS 4/18]. Jewish immigration to Israel increases 23% in the first 3 months of 1989 compared to same period last year [FBIS 4/19].

Other Countries: According to Bush administration official, U.S. is attempting to block PLO campaign for full membership in World Health Organization (WHO), other UN bodies. 38 Senators led by Patrick Leahy, Robert Kasten send letter to Sec. of State Baker threatening to cut off U.S. aid to U.N. agencies that recognize State of Palestine [WP 1/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli border police kill 5 Palestinians during pre-dawn raid on Nahalin; at least 30 Palestinians are wounded in raid. In Bethlehem troops open fire, injuring 4 Palestinians. At least 10 Palestinians are injured during clashes in Gaza [FJ 4/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Finance minister, leader of Labor party Shimon Peres states, "Now, the United States is, in fact, mediating between us and the PLO." Israeli settlers move into new settlement of Zofim [FBIS 4/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Hebron, troops shoot, kill 22-year-old Palestinian. In Bethlehem troops shoot, injure 3 Palestinians. In Duhayshah 5 Palestinians are injured. In Gaza at least 23 Palestinians are injured during protests [FJ 4/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians observe general strike in O.T. [FBIS 4/10].

Other Countries: President Bush reiterates opinion that "that the provisions of Security Council resolution 242 and 338 have not been fulfilled. The territory that has been ceded for peace [the Sinai] is not the end. It simply isn't" [LAT 4/8]. ABC-Washington Post poll indicates that majority of Americans believe that Israel should negotiate directly with PLO and that peace in Middle East is unattainable without such talks [WP 4/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Following Friday prayers large demonstration erupts at al-Aqsa mosque; 4 Palestinian are injured, 37 are arrested, 8 Israelis are injured. At least 10 Palestinians are injured in West Bank. In Khan Yunis soldiers open fire, injuring 2 Palestinians [FJ 4/10]. Members of group of progressive Jewish women praying at Westem Wall are punched, bitten by group of ultra-orthodox women [LAT 4/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Hani al-Hasan, adviser to Arafat, states that Algerian delegation is currently visiting Damascus to prepare for reconciliation between Syria, PLO [FBIS 4/5].

Other Countries: U.S. calls Soviet sale of SU-24 aircraft to Libya "dangerous" [WP 4/6]. U.S. trade policy committee rejects appeal made by Arab-Americans to strip Israel of preferential trade privileges [NYT 4/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers shoot, wound 2 Palestinians in O.T., including 13-year-old boy in Balata camp [LAT 4/6]. In "humanitarian gesture" Israel releases 450 Palestinian prisoners [WP, LAT 4/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: New York Times poll shows that only 18% of Israeli Jews favor talks with PLO under current circumstances; 62% see Israeli-PLO talks in next 5 years [NYT 4/2].

Arab World: Mubarak rejects Shamir's offer to meet in Washington [NYT 4/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian from Hebron dies from wounds received on Land Day. Israeli troops shoot, kill 17- year-old Palestinian from al-'Ayzariyyah [NYT 4/2, FJ 4/10]. Throughout O.T. 23 Palestinians are reported wounded [FBIS 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Saudi King Fahd pledges to support Egypt's full return to Arab League [LAT 4/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israel, United States agree to develop $35 million research center to work on S.D.I. [MET 4/11].

Arab World: Washington Post reports that Iraq is engaged in crash program to build atomic weapons and will test warhead within 2-5 years [WP 3/3 1]. In S. Lebanon PFLP, Lebanese resistance attacks Israeli positions; 2 guerrillas are killed [MET 4/ 11].

Other Countries: Nordic foreign ministers meet, issue statement on Middle East saying that they approve of PLO's recognition of Israel, acceptance of UN resolutions 242, 338 and they urge Israel not to interfere with function of UNIFIL [FJ 4/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Paestinians in W. Bank, Gaza, Israel mark Land Day by observing general strike [FJ 4/3]. Knesset approves $29 billion austerity budget, avoids vote on funding of settlements, religious institutions, kibbutzim [MET 4/ 11].

Arab World: PLO executive committee proclaims Arafat president of State of Palestine [NYT 3/3 1].

Other Countries: Canadian diplomats for first time meet with PLO representatives at UN [NYT 3/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm soldiers shoot, kill 17-year-old Palestinian. In al-Jib 22-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed by Israeli troops. In Jabalya camp soldiers open fire, kill 24-year-old Palestinian [FBIS 4/3]. In Salfit 20-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed by Israeli troops. In Hebron at least 6 Palestinians are shot by Israeli troops. In Bayt Ummar 7 Palestinians are shot. At least 30 other Palestinians are wounded in O.T. [FJ 4/3]. IDF destroys the homes of 4 Palestinians in Gaza and demolishes part of a 5th house [FBIS 4/3]. In the Galilee, Israeli authorities arrest 17 Palestinians for possessing "inciting material" [FJ 4/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al HaMishmar reports that Shamir has met with Sari Nuseibeh, Hanna Siniora, Elias Freij, Faysal Husayni; the Palestinians received PLO permission to meet with the Israeli P.M. and reported the results to the PLO leadership [FBIS 3/27]. General strike is observed throughout O.T. Curfews throughout O.T. confine 400,000 Palestinians to homes [FJ 4/3].

Arab World: Saudi King Fahd arrives in Cairo for 4-day visit [FBIS 3/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire near Jenin, kill 4-year-old Palestinian [FBIS 3/27, FJ 4/3]. In Nablus 4 Palestinians are wounded by troops [FBIS 3/27]. At least 19 other Palestinians are injured throughout O.T. [FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Former Israeli P.M. Menahem Begin ends 6-year silence to praise Israel's peace with Egypt; he also criticizes U.S. talks with PLO, icy relationship with Egypt [LAT 3/27].

Arab World: PLO leadership prepares to launch $12 billion 5-year development plan for W. Bank, Gaza [FBIS 3/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A Palestinian corpse is found in Ramallah [FBIS 3/27]. At least 6 Palestinians are wounded by soldiers in Gaza Strip. In W. Bank 3 Palestinians are shot in confrontations with Israeli soldiers [FJ 4/3]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli poll shows that 56% of Jewish Israelis who do not live on kibbutzim oppose talks with PLO [FBIS 3/27].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee begins 2-day meeting in Tunis [FBIS 3/29]. In Tunis Pres. Ben 'Ali meets with Arafat [FBIS 3/27]. In an interview in CSM [3/24], Salah Khalaf states readiness of PLO to enter talks without preconditions.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 19-year-old Palestinian from Tulkarm camp dies from wounds received 3/22. In O.T. 8 Palestinians are wounded during clashes [FBIS 3/27]. Israel's police chief agrees to stop officers from posing as reporters [WP 3/25].