The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in most of the occupied territories [WP, NYT 2/17]. Occupied territories' civil administration lowers limit on amount of money that can be brought into W. Bank from Jordan [NYT 2/17]. Maj. Gen. Ehud Barak, Israel's deputy chief of staff and Def. Min. Rabin confirm soldiers buried 4 Palestinians alive 2/5 [WP 2/17]. Rabin announces his intention to establish military appeals court in occupied territories [CSM 2/17]. In Tel Aviv, 800 attend conference organized by Israeli intellectuals demanding Israeli government begin peace talks with Palestinians [NYT 2/18]. Israeli High Court upholds army order banning distribution of al-Quds newspaper in occupied territories [FJ 2/21]. Jewish settlers raid 'Azzah refugee camp near Bethlehem, shoot and wound 1 youth [FJ 2/21].

Arab World: UNRWA announces the suspension of all activities in Lebanon requiring intemational staff, and transfer of operations from Lebanon to Syria [FJ 2/21].

Other Countries: Israeli P.M. Shamir ends 2-day visit to Italy [WP 2/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli riot police halt bus carrying Palestinian high school students from Haifa to Umm al-Fahm; several students are beaten. At least 1 Palestinian is shot, wounded during clash with Israeli soldiers in Jenin. In Qabatiyyah, 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded when soldiers open fire on demonstrators [WP 2/17]. Army seizes 3 school buildings for military posts in Nablus [FJ 2/21]. Palestinian demonstrators bum tires and throw stones at entrance to Gush Qatif settlement in Gaza. In Rafah camp 4 are wounded in clash with soldiers [FJ 2/21]. In Sura and Majd villages, near Hebron, protesters bum Israeli buses. Soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up demonstration in Fawwar refugee camp, wounding 9. Protests are held in Jenin refugee camp, Duhayshah camp and Bani Na'im village [FJ 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy arrives in Israel for meetings with P. M. Shamir. Director of UNRWA in Gaza accuses IDF of intensifying beatings in recent days. Gazan youth beaten 2/8 dies in Beersheba hospital; 3 Palestinians have died from military-inflicted beatings [NYT 2/10]. Closure of Birzeit U. is extended for another month [FJ 2/14]. Settlers from Ma'aleh Adomim, between Jerusalem and Jericho, raid neighboring village of al-'Azzariyyah (Bethany), attacking houses, breaking doors and windows [FJ 2/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian is shot, killed in 'Attil, village near Tulkarm [NYT 2/10]. Demonstrators and troops clash in Gaza City; reports indicate at least 50 are injured by soldiers. Settlers and soldiers battle demonstrators in W. Bank town of Halhul; town is placed under curfew. Demonstrations are reported in Hebron, Sa'ir, Jenin-district village of Qabatiyyah, Bethlehem, Silwan, and jerusalem. Curfews remain in force for Nablus region, Qalqiliyyah, Tulkarm, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, Bayt Ummar, Bani Na'im, 'Anabta, refugee camps of Balatah, 'Askar, 'A'idah, Shu'fat, and Gaza Strip's Burayj camp. Al-'Azzah camp, Hibla village, and Jabal al-Mukabir ae under siege [FJ 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus-area village of Burqa, Palestinian child dies of gunshot woundsuffered during demonstration 2/5 [NYT 2/8; FJ 2/14]. Dayr al-Balah youth dies in E. Jerusalem hospital from army-inflicted head injuries [WP 2/8]. General strike is observed throughout E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip. All government schools in E. Jerusalem are ordered closed [NYT 2/8]. Unanimous finding by Israeli High Court calls for creation of appeals court in Gaza Strip and W. Bank. Strike by Gaza's 300 Palestinian lawyers enters 6th week [NYT 2/9]. Palestinian youths riot in East Tapiot, Jewish neighborhood in E. Jerusalem, breaking windows, blockading streets, and fighting police. Police fire tear gas, rubber bullets to break up crowd [LAT 2/9].

Arab World: Iraqi Foreign Ministry official denies having direct contacts with Israeli officials during 1985 negotiations to build oil pipeline [WP 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bayt Ummar, village north of Hebron, Israeli forces fire into crowd of stone throwers, killing 3, wounding at least 7. In nearby Bayt Fajjar, residents burn bus used to transport workers to Israel; at least 10 are wounded in clash between villagers and army. At least 1 is shot during demonstration in Halhul. In village of Jabal al-Mukabir, soldiers close off 2 roads after stone throwers attack Jewish houses. Police use military-delegated emergency powers to impose curfew on Jerusalem refugee camp after violent demonstrations in 4 E. Jerusalem neighborhoods [NYT, WP 2/8]. Violent demonstrations and clashes with police are reported in Jerusalem's Thuri quarter, 'Isawiyyah village, and nearby Silwan village. At least 9 are injured by police trying to disperse demonstrations. Shu'fat camp, north of Jerusalem, isordered under curfew after violent nightlong demonstration [FJ 2/14]. Military imposes curfews in Qalqiliyyah, 'Aqbat Jabir refugee camp, Tulkarm-area village of Hibla, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, and Kafr Malik after violent demonstrations. In Tulkarm, curfew is temporarily lifted to allow food distribution. Curfews continue in Nablus, old and new 'Askar camps, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', Tulkarm camp, Bani Na'im, 'A'idah camp, Jalazun camp, Am'ari camp, and 'Arrub camp [FJ 2/14]. Reports indicate 2 villagers are shot, killed: 1 during demonstration i Tulkarm, another in clash in Ayyub. Both demonstrations are instigated by rumors of settler attacks against Palestinians [WP 2/10]. UN officials report treating 37 residents of Jabalya refugee camp for beating injuries after army raid. At least 1 is shot, wounded in Khan Yunis [WP 2/8]. Soldiers conducting search for stone throwers in Burayj camp, seize youth, beat him, and leave him in orange grove; boy dies in hospital [LAT 2/9]. Arab World: PLO fighters surround house near 'Ayn al-Hilwah in S. Lebanon where gunmen are believed to be holding 2 UNRWA employees [LAT 2/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael Government schools in Jerusalem are ordered closed for 1 week [WP 2/6; FJ 2/7]. Commercial strike in occupied territories continues [FJ 2/7]. Settlers attack Ya'bad village near Jenin, injuring 22 residents, breaking car windows, and burning village water pump [FJ 2/7]. In Hawara village, near Nablus, child is shot, wounded by settler [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Gunmen kidnap 2 UNRWA employees near Sidon, S. Lebanon [WP 2/6].

Other Countries: In Tokyo, march and rally protest Israeli actions in the occupied territories [FJ 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF patrol captures 3 armed fighters who crossed Egyptian border [NYT 2/12]. In village of Salim, near Nablus, troops and settlers beat 4 Palestinian youths, force them to remove stone barricade, then use bulldozer to bury them alive. Unconscious youths are dug out by villagers [NYT 2/14]. Curfews remain in effect in 'A'idah camp, Nablus region, Tulkarm, Tulkarm camp, village of Thinabbah, and 9 other camps and cities. 'Azzah camp is declared closed military zone [FJ 2/7]. Worshipers stone police during demonstration outside Dome of the Rock Mosque; 6 Palestinians are wounded. In Qalandiya, Israeli soldiers use rubber bullets, live ammunition during clash with demonstrators; camp is sealed off. Jewish settler receives serious head injury from rocks thrown at car [WP 2/6]. In Gaza Strip's Jabalya refugee camp, demonstrators set fire to civil court building; troops fire tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse stone-throwing crowds; 4 areas of camp are raided. Hospitals treat 21 Palestinians for injuries caused by beatings [WP 2/6; FJ 2/7]. Military authorities shut off electricity to Gaza City [WP 2/6]. Demonstrations and clashes are also reported in Ramallah, al-Birah camp, Am'ari camp, and Silwad village near Ramallah [FJ 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Press Service reports death of Palestinian wounded 12/9 in Jabalya refugee camp [LAT 2/5]. Commercial strike in occupied territories continues [FJ 2/7]. Israel orders all government, private, and UNRWA schools in occupied territories closed until further notice [FJ 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian guerrillas cross Lebanese border into Israel near Kibbutz Yiftah; 2 Israeli soldiers and 1 Palestinian fighter are killed; 2d Palestinian captured. PLO claims responsibility for attack [LAT 2/5]. In W. Bank, curfews continue in Nablus, old and new 'Askar camps, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp, Tulkarm, 'Anabta, Bani Na'im, and Balatah, Jalazun, and 'A'idah camps. Hebron-region villages of Dura and Sa'ir are ordered under curfew. Halhul is declared closed military zone. In Gaza Strip, Burayj and Jabalya camps remain under curfew [FJ 2/7]. During fierce clash in Balatah camp, soldiers open fire on stone-throwing demonstrators, wounding 2; another 3 are wounded by rubber bullets. In Sa'ir, 2 protestors are shot, wounded by live ammunition. Military imposes curfew on Hebron after soldier is hit in head with stone [LAT 2/5]. In Yatta, near Hebron, youths force passengers off Israeli bus, set bus on fire. In Burqa, soldiers fire live ammunition at demonstrators, wounding 2. At least 12 are hospitalized for beating injuries in Gaza Strip [FJ 2/7]. After Israeli vehicles are stoned in Shu'fat refugee camp, military raids camp, beating and injuring many residents [FJ 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shopkeepers strike in Gaza Strip, W. Bank, and E. Jerusalem [WP, FJ 1/31]. UNRWA clinics in Gaza Strip and W. Bank reportreating more than 300 for broken bones and other injuriesince policy of "power, force, and beatings" was declared [WP 1/3 1].

Arab World: U.S. envoy Philip Habib meets with King Hussein in Amman to discuss latest U.S. efforts to restart Middle East peace process [WP 1/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus and Balatah refugee camp, soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition in clash with demonstrators, wounding at least 7. Nablus is declared closed military zone; Balatah is placed under curfew. In Gaza City, troops beat, teargas protesters, injuring at least 7. At least 2 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire in Gaza [WP, NYT 1/311. In E. Jerusalem's Thuri quarter, demonstrators bum tires, block roads, and stone troops. Soldiers respond with tear gas, rubber bullets. Demonstrations are also reported in Hebron, Ramallah, and throughout Gaza Strip [FJ 1/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel announces 100 Palestinians will be released from Gazan detention centers and several soldiers will be disciplined for excessive use of force. Commercial strike continues in many E. Jerusalem communities [NYT 1/30]. Nearly 200 demonstrators march in protest at al-Haram al-Sharif; 6 are arrested for incitement and carrying Palestinian flags [WP 1/30].

Other Countries: U.S. Sec. of State Shultz calls for "new blend of approaches" to Middle East peace process. Nimrod Novik and Simha Dinitz, Israeli Foreign Ministry envoys, arrive in Washington [WP 1/30]. U.S. officials state Attorney Gen. Edwin Meese was told of plan to give money to Israeli Labor party in return for assurances Israel would not attack proposed Iraqi oil pipeline [NYT 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials continue to insist that calm is prevailing in occupied territories. UNRWA workers in E. Jerusalem charge at least 50 Palestinians were injured in military raid of Shu'fat [NYT 1/30]. Worshipers leaving mosques in Am'ari and Tulkarm refugee camps clash with soldiers, who use tear gas to disperse crowds; camps are briefly placed under curfew [FBIS 1/29; WP 1/301. In Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians are arrested on charges of raising Palestinian flags, chanting nationalist slogans after prayers on al-Haram al-Sharif [FBIS 1/29]. Troops use tear gas to disperse demonstrators leaving mosques in Ramallah and al-Birah [FBIS 1/29; FJ 1/31]. Military lifts curfews on Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta and Tulkarm and Am'ari camps [FJ 1/31]. Curfew on Sa'ir is lifted [FBIS 1/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Labor Minister Moshe Katsav says workers from S. Lebanon and Europe will join Israeli high school students to replace Palestinian laborers. Education Minister Yitzhaq Navon orders mobilization of high school students to help harvest citrus crops [NYT 1/18]. Police Minister Chaim Bar-Lev denies Israeli police fired tear gas into mosques in 1/15 clash. UNRWA sends 8 trucks of food to wait at gates of refugee camps until army allows them to enter. UN Undersec. Gen. Marrack Goulding ends week-long visit [LAT 1/18]. Israeli High Court delays deportation of 4 Palestinians until after their appeals are heard [LAT 1/18; CSM 1/19]. Peace Now stages demonstration outside P. M. Shamir's office to begin week of activities protesting situation in occupied territories [FBIS 1/21]. Demonstration at UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City condemns occupation, demands UNRWA be allowed access to camps [FJ 1/24]. Military court orders Gaza attorney Raji al-Surani to pay IS 1,500 fine or spend 15 days in prison for refusing to defend a client [FJ 1/24].

Arab World: Amal leader Nabih Birri announces end of 3-year siege of W. Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps and S. Lebanon's Rashidiyyah camp [LAT 1/18].

Other Countries: In interview, PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat denies local leaders in occupied territories challenge his position, calls for UN peacekeeping force in W. Bank and Gaza Strip. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Benjamin Netanyahu said violence must be ended before talks begin, denies Israel is preventing food from reaching W. Bank and Gaza Strip [LAT 1/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel maintains round-the-clock curfews on all 8 Gaza Strip refugee camps, lifts all W. Bank curfews except in town of Salfit [LAT, NYT 1/18]. Soldiers teargas demonstrators outside Ramallah church. Youths stone soldiers breaking locks on Ramallah stores to force owners to open; at least 1 soldier is injured. Residents of al-Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah are prevented from leaving village for 10th straight day. Several are injured in Balatah when Israeli troops open fire on protesters. Demonstrators in Jalazun blockade roads, stone soldiers, attack Israeli central region commander [FJ 1/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: UNRWA officials announce food trucks will be stationed outside of all Gaza Strip refugee camps until army lifts curfews. Officials also say Nusayrat camp has been without water since water main break 1/11; army will not allow UNRWA to enter camp and repair main [WP 1/17]. Commercial strike continues in most W. Bank cities [FJ 1/17].

Other Countries: Estimated 5,000 demonstrators march in Rome to protest Israeli policies in the occupied territories. Police prevent group of marchers from entering Jewish neighborhood [FJ 1/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: UN Undersec. Gen. Goulding is caught in midst of tear gas, rubber bullets at Balatah refugee camp; 14 camps in W. Bank and Gaza Strip remain under curfew [NYT 1/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Pickering meets with Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhaq Rabin, says U.S. will send diplomatic observers to military trials of Palestinians arrested during recent violence [WP 12/29]. More than 300 Palestinian women hold 3-hour sit-in at UNRWA's Gaza office. Similar protest is held at Red Cross headquarters in Jerusalem [FJ 1/3]. Israel orders 2 Ramallah UNRWA schools, al-Tirah College and Teachers' College, closed for 1 month effective 12/22 [FJ 1/3]. Family of youth killed in recent Gaza uprising is ordered to pay IS 5,000 in medical costs related to shooting [FJ 1/3].

Arab World: Fateh Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal) announces execution of 5 charged with spying for Jordan and Israel [FJ 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF begins military maneuvers in Golan Heights and eastern Galilee [FBIS 12/29]. In Gaza Strip, military lifts curfew on Jabalya refugee camp; 2 entrances to Burayj camp are sealed [NYT 12/29].

Arab World: Amal militiamen capture, kill 4 members of Fateh near Beirut's Shatila refugee camp [FJ 1/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: UNRWA Commissioner General Giorgio Giacomelli expresses concern to Israeli defense and foreign ministry officials over Israel's "rather heavy-handed reaction" to protesting Palestinians. Palestinian wounded by gunfire 12/16 after stabbing Israeli soldier in Rafah dies. Gen. Yitzhaq Mordechai, commander of southern military district, orders arrest of Shin Bet officer who fired on protesters 12/16 [LAT 12/18]. Shops in Arab E. Jerusalem remain closed to protest Ariel Sharon's move into a Muslim quarter apartment [NYT 12/18]. Curfew on Jabalya refugee camp is lifted [FJ 12/20]. Israeli settler who shot, killed Gaza student 11/10 is released on bail [FJ 12/20]. Soldiers seal 4 Ramallah stores participating in general strike [FJ 12/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Scattered demonstrations are reported in W. Bank and E. Jerusalem [NYT 12/18; FJ 12/20]. Israeli troops use tear gas to disperse large demonstration related to 12/11 clash at Balatah. Balatah and Rafah are ordered under curfew [LAT 12/18].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA troops kill 6 Lebanese National Resistance Front fighters in battle near S. Lebanon security zone [NYT 12/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jamal Hindi petitions Ramallah military objections com. to cancel his deportation order [FJ 12/6]. In Gaza City, Palestine Religious Institute and UNRWA's vocational school reopen after 2-week military-ordered closure [FJ 12/6].

Other Countries: Israeli officials acknowledge that several Western governments have urged Israel to avoid military retaliation for hang glider attack during U.S.- U.S.S.R. summit; Israeli sources also report Israel has not yet retaliated because of Greek F.M. Karolos Papoulias' visit [WP 12/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ishaq Abu Surur, student shot in head by Israeli soldiers during Bethlehem U. demonstration 10/28, dies [FJ 11/1]. Jewish settlers fire on student demonstrators at UNRWA's al-Tirah Women Teachers' Institute in Ramallah; school administration closes institute for 1 week [FJ 11/1]. Violent demonstrations break out in Gaza Strip in response to Israeli bulldozing of 4 houses; houses belonged to families of 4 Gazans killed 10/2 by soldiers at Israeli checkpoint [FJ 11/1]. In Lydda, 2 Palestinians abducted in intemational waters by Israeli navy receive prison sentences on charges of Fateh membership [FJ 11/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military orders Bethlehem University closed for 3 months [Fl 11/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet decides to postpone vote on continuing Lavi project [NYT 8/17]. Palestinian prisoners in Nablus prison begin 2-day hunger strike to protest worsening conditions [FJ 8/23]. Dr. Zakaria al-Agha, chairman of Arab Medical Assoc., is dismissed from his position at Nasir Hospital in Khan Yunis for making political statements to the press without military permission [FJ 8/23]. Israeli court orders demolition of mosque in Beersheba-district village of Rahat on grounds that it was constructed without a license [FJ 8/23]. Police raid Jerusalem offices of Alternative Information Center, confiscate equipment and documents; center reopens after 6-month, police-ordered closure [FJ 9/20].

Arab World: Jericho Mayor Jamil Sabri Khalaf visits Amman for discussions of municipal projects with Jordanian officials [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: Reports indicate Italian government is donating over $500,000 to UNRWA vocational school in Gaza [FJ 8/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldier and a civilian are shot, wounded in attack near Jabaliyyah refugee camp on Gaza Strip. Israeli troops seal off camp with barbed wire [FJ 8/23]. Soldiers in Nablus respond to stone-throwing Palestinian youths with tear gas and live ammunition; 3 Palestinians are wounded in the clash [CSM 8/17; FJ 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Residents of Gaza's Jabalya refugee camp meet with UNRWA officials to request help in obtaining drinking water for the camp [FJ 7/26]. Defense Minister Rabin meets with several W. Bank mayors [FJ 7/26].

Arab World: Fateh Central Com. ends 2-day meeting in Tunis [FJ 7/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 'Awad 'Abd alSalam Hamdan, Palestinian arrested 7/17 on charges of membership in an illegal organization, dies in Jenin Prison [FJ 7/26].

Other Countries: International Defense Review reports Irael test-fired medium-range ballistic missile with nuclear capability over Mediterranean Seaearlier this month [WP 8/1]. UNRWA statement expresses concern over threat to Palestinians living in refugee camps near Tyre posed by battling militias [FJ 7/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin orders at least 80 Palestinians, including Arab Research Society head Faysal Husayni and former al-Fajr editor Ma'mun Sayyid, held under administrative detention [NYT 4/14; FT 4/16]. Israeli troops raid Ramallah's UNRWA Teacher Training Institute; 17 students are wounded, almost 150 arrested [FJ 4/19]. Unidentified arsonists, believed to be Jewish extremists, set fire to Episcopal church in Acre (Akka), paint racist slogans on walls [FJ 4/19]. Al-Najah University reopens after 2-week closure [FJ 4/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Worshippers at al-Aqsa Mosque join demonstration after noon prayers; in Nablus, troops disperse demonstration, order al-Rawda College closed until 4/24 [FJ 4/12]. Explosion causes extensive damage to new Sultan al-Atrash monument on the Golan Heights. Residents blame Israeli authorities [FJ 4/12].

Other Countries: Turkish police reporthey have foiled plan to kidnap Americans and Israelis living in Turkey and exchange them for 200 members of Islamic Jihad held in Israel [NYT 4/11].

Military Action

Arab World: Syrian military observers escort delegation of Amal officials and pro-Syrian Palestinians to Sidon in S. Lebanon for peace talks. UNRWA delivers 4 truckloads of supplies donated by Australia to Shatila refugee camp [GU 4/11]. Hizballah fighters kill 9 Israelis, wound at least 2, during attack near Qantara, inside S. Lebanon "security zone" [FJ 4/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports 4,000 Palestinian prisoners have joined hunger strike in Israeli jails; the newspaper also reports OPEC Fund has pledged $250,000 to UNRWA [FJ 4/3]. Police in Nablus use tear gas to disperse over 500 women marching inprotest of prison conditions [FJ 4/12].

Arab World: Abu Nidal organization anounces execution of 2 men charged with spying for Jordan [FJ 4/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Truck attempting to bring food donated by Saudi Arabia to refugees in Shatila camp is destroyed by rocket; 2 children are killed, 7 injured [GU 4/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: P. M. Shamir rejects call for government investigation into Pollard spy case, refers matter to inner cabinet [WP 3/9]. Women in Nazareth and Umm al-Fahm gather to celebrate International Women's Day [FJ 3/13]. UNRWA closes Women's Teachers Institute in Ramallah for 1 week after student demonstrations [FJ 3/13].

Arab World: Amal fires Hasan Hashim and 4 of his companions after their failed attempt to oust Nabih Birri [FJ 3/13]. UNIFIL lodges protest against Israeli mining of 2 S. Lebanon roads normally used by its troops [FJ 3/13]. Al-Ittihad reports Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) is preparing to move its offices out of Damascus as a precaution against Syrian reprisals for participation in PLO unity talks [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers use tear gas, clubs, and live ammunition to disperse Golan Heights demonstration commemorating Ba'th party's rise to power in Syria and inauguration of new Syrian water project; 1 woman is killed [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense and Foreign Affairs Com. Chairman Abba Eban asks Defense Minister Rabin to appear before the committee and explain promotion of Col. Aviem Sella, indicted in U.S. for his role in Pollard spy case [NYT 3/7].

Arab World: UNRWA states continued fighting around Burj al-Barajinah, Shatila, and Rashidiyyah refugee camps is preventing food and medicine shipments from getting through [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine withdraws offer to trade U.S. hostages for 400 Arab prisoners held in Israel [BS 2/15].

Other Countries: Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil arrives in London after EEC ministers deny his request for financial support [LT 2/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrols use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up demonstrations in Nablus and Ramallah, arrest 18 students during protest at Hebron University. In Majdal Shams, hundreds of Druze youths gather for rally marking 5th anniversary of imposition of Israeli law on Golan Heights; 13 are arrested following violent clashes with Israeli police, 5 Israeli police injured UP 2/21; SG 2/15].

Arab World: Amal temporarily halts siege of Rashidiyyah refugee camp, south of Tyre, to permit UNRWA food trucks and ambulance to enter camp [CSM 2/17; NYT 2/15].

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: Following Israeli promises to meet their demands, Palestinian political prisoners suspend hunger strike [FJ 12/20]. Israeli contractor Avraham Gindi is charged in Tel Aviv district court with fraud and theft in West Bank land scandal case, attempts to jump out 6-story window [NYT 12/14].

Other Countries: U.S. customs officials make highly publicized raids on 3 Napco Inc. factories, probing Israel's acquisition of electroplating technology for tank cannon barrels, say Israel had no permit to export the technology; Israel issues denials [WP, NYT 12/14; JP 12/22]. New York Times reports new director of UNRWA, Commissioner General Georgio Giacomelli, has stated agency is $20 million short of $191 million budget, the minimum needed to maintain services at 1985 levels [NYT 12/13]. A Briton and 2 Palestinians are convicted of murdering 3 Israelis aboard a yacht in Lamaca, Cyprus in September; they are sentenced to life imprisonment [NYT, WP 12/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. gives Israel list of 7 Palestinians being considered for talks with U.S. Israeli P. M. Peres, speaking on Israel TV, rejects list on grounds that no residents of West Bank or Gaza are on it, all but one are members of PNC [NYT, WP 7/18]. Peres rejects idea of prior U.S. negotiations with Palestinian-Jordanian delegation before direct negotiations with Israel. Israel's chief rabbis insist Ethiopian immigrants must go through ritual conversion process [LAT, BG 7/18].

Arab World: Kuwaiti Parliament cancels $194 million in military aid earmarked for Syria, and $146 million for Jordan and the PLO because it is "being misused" [WP 7/18, LM 7/19].

Other Countries: The Daily Telegraph reports U.S. gives $8 million to UNRWA, more than 50 percent of the budget [DT 7/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Sec. of State Shultz opposes legislation to advance Israel $750 million (half of proposed two-year $1.5 billion economic aid plan) within 30 days of passage of aid bill, on grounds that early payment would harm economic recovery [P 6/20]. UNRWA announces cuts in services to Palestinian refugees because of reduction in its budget from $205 million to $165 million, with further cuts likely [FJ 6/2 1]. U.S. asks Red Cross to ask Israel of its plans for 766, mostly Shi'ite, prisoners held in Israel [NYT 6/19].

Arab World: Six Red Cross ambulances enter Burj al-Barajinah; Shi'ite-Palestinian fighting has left at least 625 dead and 2,500 wounded [FT 6/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem court convicts David Ben-Shimol of murder in 10/28/84 rocket attack on Palestinian bus near Jerusalem, 9/22/84 grenade attack on E. Jerusalem coffeehouse; sentenced to life imprisonment [WP 4/18]. US Navy Sec. John Lehman indicates US to build submarines, missiles, patrol boats in coordination with Israel [JP 4/18]. Occupied territories observe Prisoners Day with meetings, visits to families of prisoners [FJ 4/19]. Democratic Front for Peace and Equality calls for closure of al-Fara'a prison in W. Bank [FJ 4/19].

Arab World: Lebanese Cabinet resigns in wake of fighting between Murabitoun, Palestinian fighters and Amal, PSP militias in Beirut [NYT 4/18]. UNRWA closes Beirut office in wake of fighting [MG 4/18].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Council approves (13-0, 2 abst.) extension of UNIFIL mandate in S. Lebanon until 10/19 [BG 4/18].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Amal, PSP militias engage in heavy fighting with Murabitoun, Palestinian fighters in Beirut; Marabitoun effectively destroyed [NYT 4/19]. IDF planes bomb DFLP base in Bar Elias; no report of casualties [NYT, PI 4/18]. 3 IDF troops injured by roadside bomb near Kafr Kanna [MG 4/18]. Mine blast wounds 3 IDF soldiers in western occupation sector. IDF kill 3 resistance fighters in eastern occupation sector. IDF raid Shabriha, Shuhur; at least 4 arrested [JP 4/18]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 200 representatives of professions, student groups, other institutions in occupied territories call for PLO unity, criticize 2/11 Arafat-Hussein agreement [FJ 4/19].

Arab World: Jordan removes travel restrictions (imposed 4/30/83) on residents of occupied territories (W. Bank residents were not allowed to remain in Jordan for more than 30 days; were required to fill out questionnaire concerning trip) [FJ 4/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces continue bombardment of Mieh Mieh, 'Ain al-Hilweh. IDF, SLA attack Yuhmur; 8 reportedly massacred [NYT 4/14, LT 4/15]. UNRWA reports finding 6 beheaded bodies of Palestinian refugees in Sidon area [NYT 4/16]. Katyusha, anti-tank rocket fired at IDF positions in Tyre; no casualties [JP 4/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF close UNRWA-run boys preparatory school in Qalandiya for 1 mo. after stones allegedly thrown at IDF from school [FJ 3/22]. Green Patrol seizes large flock of Bedouin goats near Mitzpe Ramon (2nd time since 3/14); goats later sold by Green Patrol officials [JP 3/31].

Arab World: IDF sources indicate intention after final withdrawal to erect "security zone" in S. Lebanon to be patrolled by SLA; also state that "extremists" in zone will be deported [LT 3/19]. IDF raid Abba, S. Lebanon; 1 killed, 1 wounded; 1 home destroyed, undetermined number arrested. IDF close road from Israeli border to Marjayoun [JP 3/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mmorial gathering held in Nazareth on 40th day after Fahd Qawasmeh's assassination without participation of W. Bank notables who received prior warnings from IDF (2/8) not to attend [JP 2/10]. Meron Benvenisti's W. Bank Data Project indicates 42,500 settlers on W. Bank, higher figure than previously thought [NYT 2/10]. Dheisheh women's committees hold sit-in at UNRWA HQ in camp protesting recent IDF, settlers actions [FJ 2/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF erect roadblocks throughout W.Bank to prevent W. Bank notables from attending Qawasmeh memorial gathering inNazareth [JP 2/10].