The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed a demolition order for a Palestinian-owned house in al-Twana sheltering 10 people; 1 other resident in al-Twana received a stop-work order. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned bulldozer in Tulkarm. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah and Dura. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli supreme court ruled that 1 78-year-old man in Silwan could be evicted from his home after his landlord sold the house he was living in to the settler organization Elad. Israeli forces stormed the Bab al-Rahma area of the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 1 mosque and the house of a Fatah official in Silwan. 2 Palestinian families started demolishing their own homes in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian cancer patient at the Erez crossing as he was traveling to East Jerusalem for treatment. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 9/14; HA 9/15; PCHR 9/17)

The Israeli settler that in July 2015 burned the house of a Palestinian family, killing 1 18-month-old and his parents and severely burning 1 other child, was sentenced in an Israeli court to 3 life sentences. (GDN, REU 9/14; AJ 9/15; JP 9/16)

The Unified Palestinian Leadership for Popular Resistance, an umbrella organization formed on 9/3 after a meeting between the major Palestinian factions in Gaza and the West Bank, including Fatah and Hamas, declared 9/18 a day of mourning over the normalization agreements between the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel. (WAFA 9/14)

Ahead of the signing ceremony on 9/15 formalizing the UAE and Bahrain’s normalization with Israel, PA prime minister Mohmmad Shtayyeh condemned the deal, calling it “a dark day in the history of the Arab nation and of the Arab League,” and further stated that, “[t]omorrow the Arab peace initiative dies, as will the Arab consensus.” He also said that his government has recommended to PA president Mahmoud Abbas that the PA reevaluate its relations with the Arab League. (AJ, HA 9/14)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Washington D.C. ahead of the signing ceremony for the normalization deals with Bahrain and the UAE on 9/15. His delegation notably did not include his coalition partners defense minister Benny Gantz and foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi. A spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry ruled out that Qatar would normalize relations with Israel before peace is made between Israel and Palestine. (HA 9/14; AJ 9/15)

The EU donated $600,000 to UNRWA to help contain COVID-19 in UNRWA-run refugee camps. (WAFA 9/14)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering near Rafah, Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 5 Palestinians are injured. Amid the demonstrations, an Israeli aircraft conducts an air strike on a protest camp near Rafah, causing damage. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 7 fires that were reportedly sparked by incendiary balloons and kites flown from Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Rumana village near Jenin overnight, sparking minor clashes; several Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during further raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, approximately 362 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif to commemorate Sukkot. Late at night, Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians in Silwan. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 9/26; MNA, PCHR 9/27)

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City, U.S. president Donald Trump meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At a joint press conference, Trump says he thinks a “2-state solution will work best.” His statement marks the first time he has publicly expressed a preference for the 2-state solution while in office. Later in the day, Trump says that Netanyahu was “very nice” to him and that a 2-state solution is “more likely,” but that he would be “OK with 1 state, 2 states, whatever they want.” Netanyahu, for his part, tells Israeli reporters that Trump accepts that Israel should retain a military presence in the West Bank even if a 2-state solution is agreed upon. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/26; HA, HA, JP, WAFA, YA, YA 9/27)

Ahead of PA president Mahmoud Abbas’s planned address to the UN General Assembly on 9/27, Hamas denounces Abbas as an illegitimate representative of the Palestinian people. According to sources close to Hamas’s leadership, the statement stems from the Egyptian delegation’s visit to Gaza last week for talks on the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. The Egyptians reportedly backed Abbas’s position that there could be no long-term cease-fire with Israel until Hamas and Fatah reconcile and the PA resumes control of Gaza. “Most of the donor countries, including the Arab countries, have adopted this line,” the source says. “So it looks like Hamas is losing the momentum to advance calm on a separate track from reconciliation, and the situation in Gaza is getting worse.” Meanwhile, Hamas security forces summon dozens of Fatah members for interrogation in Gaza. According to some reports from Gaza, they also threaten at least 1 print shop owner with “arrests and beatings” should he print any materials in support of PA president Abbas’s planned speech to the UN General Assembly on 9/27. (HA 9/26; TOI 9/27)

One day after the UK Labour Party endorsed a freeze on UK arms sales to Israel, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn says that he intends to recognize the State of Palestine if he is elected to lead the UK. (TOI, YA 9/26)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli D.M. Rabin leaves for Washington and meetings with Baker [FBIS 1/12; MET 1/23].

Military reopens all Gaza Strip schools except al-Tuffah secondary school, 4 days earlier than anticipated [FJ 1/22].

Arab World: Egypt and USSR sign trade agreement increasing volume of trade between the 2 nations [FBIS 1/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Abu Fadi, PLO commander of Fateh force located near Sidon, Lebanon threatens to retaliate against Lebanese Shi'a Muslim militiamen for overnight clash in which a Fateh commando is killed, 3 others wounded [FBIS 1/11; NYT 1/12; MET 1/23].

Israeli army reinforces positions in S. Lebanon "security zone" with additional troops. Fateh has also reinforced positions due to increased hostilities between Hizballah and Amal [FBIS 1/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. Congressman Douglas W. Owens (D-UT) of House Foreign Affairs Committee arrives in Damascus and meets with Vice Pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam [FBIS 12/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military closes indefinitely Khalid Ibn al-Walid School in Nusayrat camp [FJ 12/15].

3 Palestinians from W. Bank village of Bayt Immar wounded by plastic bullets during clash with IDF [FBIS 12/19].

Arab World: 2 Fateh commandos are killed in clash with Lebanese militiamen in S. Lebanon [NYT 12/17].

Syrian soldiers in Alman, S. Lebanon fire on Palestinian patrol, sparking halfhour battle [MET 12/26].

Egyptian Interior Minister Zaki Badr survives assassination attempt in Cairo [MET 12/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO is about ready to begin distribution of Palestinian ID cards, according to Jerusalem Domestic Service. Cards will initially be given to Palestinians living in U.A.E., followed by those in Kuwait and Qatar. Rather than replace existing passports, the cards will serve as additional identification [FBIS 12/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel:- 30-year-old Palestinian accused of collaboration is killed [MET 12/26].

Arab World: Lebanese Defense Ministry states it will cut Aoun's 15,000 troops off payroll. Sources expect Aoun to continue paying salaries from foreign aid or taxes levied in enclave [MET 12/26].

Police arrest 10 students in Irbid, Jordan after opening of display marking anniversary of intifada leads to brawl between Palestinians and Jordanians [MET 12/26].

Syrian military intelligence post in al-Rumaylah, S. Lebanon is attacked, reports of dead and wounded vary. Syrian commander accuses Fateh forces of carrying out attack. PLO condemns raid, says it will investigate Fateh involvement [NYT, WP, FBIS 12/15]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shin Bet head tells reporters that during the intifada's 2 years, more than 500 "terrorist squads" have been uncovered, and over 170 Fateh squads exposed since Arafat renounced terrorism [FBIS 12/5].

Arab World: PLO delivers to Cairo and U.S. Ambassador Pelletreau memorandum conditionally accepting Baker's 5- point formula [FBIS 12/4; WP 12/7].

Arab Countries: agree to postpone until 12/3 UN vote recognizing Palestinian state [NYT 12/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: IDF forces ambush members of Palestinian "Black Panther" group in Nablus, kill the group's leader and 3 others; 3 more are wounded. IDF imposes curfew on Nablus [FBIS 12/ 7; MET 12/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO officials in Tunis and Arab diplomats in Paris say Libya has placed Abu Nidal, leader of Fateh Revolutionary Council, under house arrest [NYT 11/28].

Other Countries: U.S. warns it will pull out of UN's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) if agency recognizes PLO [NYT 11/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military orders 2 Palestinian houses near Ramallah and 4 in Rafah destroyed [FBIS 11/30; FJ 12/4].

General strike called by Fateh is observed in Gaza Strip and parts of W. Bank. 4 firebomb and molotov cocktails are thrown in O.T.; no injuries [FBIS 11/ 29].

Arab World: Lebanese Pres. Hrawi orders dismissal of Gen. Aoun; Aoun refuses to vacate presidential palace [WP 11/29];

Syrian tanks, forces, take up positions near Aoun stronghold [WP, NYT 11/29]

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: In Tunis Fateh's 5th General Congress ends [FBIS 8/11].

Other Countries: Bush administration criticizes Fateh's announcementhat it will escalate armed struggle [NYT 8/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Near Nablus, troops kill 16-year-old Palestinian. In Beach camp troops shoot, wound 23 Palestinians [FJ 8/14].

Arab World: SLA troops open fire, wound 2 Norwegian UNIFIL soldiers [MET 8/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Survey of Israeli youth finds 40% hate all or most Arabs [FBIS 8/8]. Central Bureau of Statistics states that population of Jewish settlers in O.T. increased by 10% in past year, to 66,000 [FBIS 8/11].

Arab World: Fateh's congress supports Arafat's diplomatic initiatives and "struggle against Israel by all methods, including armed struggle" [WP 8/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jordanian soldier crosses border near Elate, wounds 25-year-old American kibbutz volunteer, takes 2nd woman hostage before being killed [FBIS 8/8]. In Jenin soldiers shoot, wound 3 Palestinians. At least 7 other Palestinians are wounded by troops throughout O.T. Soldiers demolish 6 Palestinian homes in Bayt Furik [FBIS 8/9, FJ 8/14]

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 9 Palestinians are injured during clashes in Gaza Strip. In Tulkarm camp 4 Palestinians are injured during demonstrations [FJ 8/7].

Arab World: In Sidon 2 Fateh officials are wounded by unknown gunmen. SLA kills 3 Palestinian guerrillas 3 km north of Israeli border [MET 8/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: D.M. Yitzhaq Rabin announces Fateh has refrained from attacking Israeli positions [WP 3/29].

Arab World: Saudi Arabia's King Fahd and Egypt's Pres. Mubarak meet in Egypt, discuss Middle East peace, bilateral relations [FBIS 3/29]. Chedli Klibi is reelected chairman of Arab League for 3rd 5-year term [FBIS 3/29]. PLO Executive Committee nominates Arafat to be president of State of Palestine [FBIS 3/29]. In Cairo, Arafat meets with leaders of Muslim Brotherhood [FBIS 4/5].

Other Countries: French Pres. Mitterand announces he will meet with PLO chairman Arafat [FBIS 3/29, FJ 4/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 19-year-old Palestinian from Salim dies from wounds received 3/13 [FJ 4/3]. At least 10 Palestinians are injured during clashes in O.T. In Balata 3 women are treated after receiving cut wounds on the head during clashes with troops [FBIS 3/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Detainees of Ansar 3 begin hunger strike protesting conditions [FBIS 3/3].

Arab World: Israel, Egypt sign agreement giving Egypt control of Taba as of 3/15 [FBIS, WP 2/27]. Arafat visits Egypt [FBIS 2/27]. Amal accuses Fateh of violating agreement by reinforcing Fateh's military presence near Tyre; Fateh responds that it is protecting itself against possible Amal, Palestinian National Salvation Front attack [FBIS 3/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza troops shoot, kill 20-year-old Palestinian. In Rafah troops injured 25 Palestinians during clashes [FBIS 2/27].

Arab World: Syria fires 2 missiles at Israeli F-4 Phantoms flying over Beqa'a valley [FJ 3/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Shamir announces willingness to withdraw troops from heavily populated areas in O.T. if Palestinians accepted autonomy plan [NYT, WP 2/2]. Military court sentences 5 Palestinians toup to 2 years in prison for throwing rocks at soldiers, settlers [LAT 2/2, FJ 2/6].

Arab World: PLO rejects Shamir proposal, calling it plan for continued occupation [NYT 2/2].

Other Countries: Israeli "doves" including Abba Eban, MK Ran Cohen and prominent members of PLO attend conference at The Hague to discuss Middle East peace [NYT, LAT 2/21.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel charges Fateh with forming, funding "popular army" inside O.T. [WP 2/2]. In Idna 4 Palestinians are shot by Israeli troops. In Khirbat al-Dayr 2 Palestinians are shot. In Abasan 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded. At least 8 more Palestinians are injured throughout the O.T. [FJ 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed marking the 35th anniversary of Israel's raid on Qibya [LAT 10/15]. A poll of 1,200 Israelis reveals that 60% are willing to trade some land for peace; 46% favor trading all of the occupied territories for peace; 57% oppose talks with the PLO even if the PLO recognizes Israel and pledges to end terrorism; 71% believe that the PLO does not want peace [LAT 10/ 15]. The military lifts aweek-long curfew on Nablus [LAT 10/15].

Arab World: Hani al-Hasan, senior Fateh official, states the PLO is willing to join Jordan in political confederation in order to satisfy American and Israeli demands [WP 10/16]. Al-Hasan says he is going to Mecca to ask Islamic authorities to issue a fatwa (religious edict) telling Arabs in Israel to vote for the candidate most likely to make peace with the Palestinians [WP 10/16, CSM 10/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Kafr Malik troops kill Palestinian, wound another. In Ramallah 19-year-old Palestinian dies from wounds received 10/8. In Bidiya the army demolishes 5 houses and seals another. Throughout the occupied territories 9 other Palestinians are shot, wounded [LAT 10/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir calls for the removal of Avraham Tamir, dir.-gen. of the For. Min., for stating that Palestiniansee the PLO as their leadership [NYT 9/4]. The Israeli airline El Al announces that it will expand the number of flights to South Africa; South African Airways will also increase flights to Tel Aviv [JP 9/3]. In Tal, Israeli troops confiscate donkeys used to take Palestinian goods to market [FJ 9/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jabalya 2 Palestinians are shot during clashes with troops; in Rafah 2 Palestinians are seriously injured during demonstrations [FJ 9/11].

Arab World: PFLP guerrillas clash with fighters from Fateh-Uprising (Abu Musa) in the suburbs of Beirut; 3 Palestinians are killed [NYT 9/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: King Hussein surrenders claims of sovereignty over W. Bank; calls on the PLO to take responsibility for W. Bank [NYT 7/31].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police arrest Faysal al-Husayni for engaging in "subversive, hostile activities" and for working with Fateh; Husayni had recently told Peace Now rally that he favors two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict [WP 8/1]. In Beach camp 70 Palestinians are injured during demonstrations aIsraelis lift curfew [FJ 8/7]. In Gaza City 5 Palestinians are injured during demonstrations. Clashes also occur in Duhayshah, Balatah, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', Tulkarm, Qalqiliyyah camps and Husan village [FJ 8/7].

Arab World: Egyptian and Saudi governments are pressuring W. German government to cancel agreement with Israel to build submarines; W. Germany forbids sale of arms to areas of high tension [FJ 8/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in territories marking the 21-year anniversary of annexation of E. Jerusalem [FJ 7/3].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities deploy 1500 police in Jerusalem anticipating demonstrations on 21-year anniversary of annexation of E. Jerusalem [FJ 7/3]. In Duhayshah troops shoot youth in eye with rubber bullet [FJ 7/3].

Arab World: Fateh fighters surrender control of Shatila camp to Palestinian dissidents under Abu Musa. At least 90 Palestinians have died in latest round of fighting [WP 6/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Israeli High Court of Justice releases a Palestinian held without trial. It is the first such release; there are 2,500 Palestinians being held without trial. [NYT 6/25]. Israeli authorities seize 1100 dunums of land north of Ramallah [FJ 7/10].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations in the West Bank leave 14 Arabs and 3 Israelis injured. In Nablus settlers open fire on Arab demonstrators wounding 13; Nablus is put under curfew. In Hebron a Palestinian stabs a Jewish settler, is then shot by the settler; Hebron is put under curfew [WP 6/25, FJ 6/26]. Military officials lift the curfew on Beach camp for the firstime in 15 days; the curfew is reimposed after 2 hours [FJ 6/26].

Arab World: Fighting in the Palestinian refugee camps near Beirut continues with 10 people killed, 34 wounded. Since 1 May 112 people have been killed, 502 injured in battles between Arafat loyalists and Fateh-Uprising dissidents [WP 6/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF conducts search and closes the Association for Family Welfare, a women's organization in al-Birah [WP 6/21, NYT 6/21].

Arab World: Al-Safir, Beirut daily, carries attacks on PLO political advisor Abu Sharif's peace proposals circulated at the recent Arab Summit. Groups attacking statement are: PFLP, Fateh-Uprising, Popular Struggle Front, the PFLP-General Command, and Partisans of the Islamic Revolution in Palestine [NYT 6/22].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli is found beaten and stabbed to death near Moshav Shaked [WP 6/21, NYT 6/21]. In Jalazun refugee camp 120 residents are arrested during demonstrations [FJ 6/26]. In Ramallah troops use tear gas to break up demonstrations [FJ 6/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ma'ariv survey of 1,152 Israelis reveals support for Likud party has risen from 33% in January to 39% in April, while support for Labor party has fallen from 46% in January to 38% in April [NYT 5/8]. Military renews order closing W. Bank schools [FJ 5/8].

Other Countries: U.S. protests Mubarak 'Awad's deportationrder [WP 5/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In W. Bank and Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities prevent shops from opening in morning. Large demonstration breaks out at al-Aqsa Mosque following prayers. At least 3 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire in Gaza Strip. Curfews are in force in Qalqiliyyah, Jabalya camp, Beach camp, and parts of Rafah camp [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: In Shatila refugee camp, south of Beirut, fighting continues between Fateh and dissident commandos; PLO spokesman reports at least 5 are killed and 25 wounded [WP 5/7; MET 5/19]. Fateh fighters defeat dissidents in 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp [WP 5/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hamzah Turkmani resigns as mayor of Gaza City [WP, NYT 3/27]. Palestinian shot by Israeli troops 3/25 in clash in Zawata village near Nablus dies of wounds [WP, NYT 3/27]. Military administration orders all government and UNRWA schools in Gaza Strip closed [FJ 4/3].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz meets with 2 PNC members, Prof. Edward W. Said and Prof. Ibrahim Abu-Lughod, to discuss his peace proposals [WP 3/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In al-Birah Israeli soldiers fire tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse Palestinian protesters demanding city council resign [WP 3/27]. Troops clash with Palestinian demonstrators in Kafr Thulth village near Nablus; 2 Palestinians are shot dead [WP, NYT 3/27]. At least 3 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire in clash at Dhahariyyah. UN officials report at least 6 children suffered fractured limbs in Burayj refugee camp [WP 3/27]. Curfew continues in Balatah refugee camp. Palestinian sources report demonstrations also erupted in Bethlehem and Nablus [FJ 4/3].

Arab World: Battles between Fateh and Fateh Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal organization) forces continue in S. Lebanon's 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp; Lebanese police report 5 have been killed, 4 wound in clashes [NYT 3/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Negev desert, 3 Palestinian gunmen hijack Israeli commuter bus. Israeli troops storm bus, killing hijackers; 3 passengers are killed, 8 injured [WP 3/8]. Jewish settler whose van is halted by road block in W. Bank village of Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah opens fire, killing Palestinian bystander [WP 3/28].

Arab World: Fateh claims responsibility for Negev desert hijacking [WP 3/8]. PLO officials Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) and 'Abd al-Rahim Ahmad arrive in Amman for meetings of Palestinian-Jordanian Joint Com. [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Paestinian attacks IDF patrol with gunfire and hand grenades, slightly wounding 1 soldier. Soldiers respond with live ammunition, wounding 7 [WP, LAT 3/8]. Palestinian is killed after being hit in face by tear gas canister. Soldiers impose curfew in Idna village after violent clashes in which at least 7 were injured. IDF uses half-tracks, live ammunition to disperse large demonstration in Nablus [FJ 3/13]. In Hebron-region village of Dura, protesters set fire to municipal building and car belonging to Israeli-appointed mayor. Army demolishes 2 houses in Biddu village near Ramallah [FJ 3/13]. Soldiers prevent faculty members and students from entering Bethlehem U. campus [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike in E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip continues despite military efforts to open stores [WP, CSM 1/21]. In Gaza Strip, 7 refugee camps remain under curfew. Accident involving stone-throwing youths and police jeep in E. Jerusalem suburb of 'Isawiyyah leaves 1 youth, 2police officers injured [LAT 1/21]. Army, police, and Jerusalem officials confirm that under new agreement Jerusalem police can request emergency powers from military, allowing them to impose curfews, force shops to open [NYT 1/2 1]. Israel announces capture of 3 Palestinians accused of 1986 attempted murder of soldier [FBIS 1/21; FJ 1/24]. In Burqin, near Salfit, Jewish settlers attack houses; 1 resident is beaten [FJ 1/24]. Israeli officials order Hebron Polytechnic closed indefinitely [FJ 1/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers kill 3 armed Palestinians shortly after they cross Israel's northern border from Lebanon. Fateh claims responsibility for infiltration. At least 20 stone-throwing Palestinian demonstrators aearrested during violent riots in al-Ram, near Jerusalem. Reports indicate many residents of Shu'fat in E. Jerusalem are detained, beaten by border police in nighttime crackdown on alleged protesters [WP 1/21; FJ 1/24]. Violent clashes between demonstrators and Israeli troops are reported in E. Jerusalem and numerous W. Bank refugee camps, villages, and towns. More than 50 Palestinians are beaten by Israeli troops in Gaza Strip camp [CSM, LAT 1/21]. Estimated 100 youth are beaten in army raid of Jenin-district vllage of 'Arrabah [FJ 1/24]. Arab World: Amal militiamen end 3-year siege of Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps [WP 1/21]. At Fez U., students demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories and against regime clash with police, soldiers; 9 demonstrators are wounded, and 1 dies later of injuries [FBIS 1/22]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli government rejects U.S. plan to end Taba border dispute with Egypt [LAT 1/2). General strike in W. Bank, Gaza Strip, and E. Jerusalem marks Fateh Day [FJ 1/3].

Arab World: In Cairo, police quickly disperse hundreds of worshippers leaving al-Azhar mosque who try to demonstrate against Israeli policies; 22 protesters are arrested and 3 policemen injured [LAT 1/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel sends troop reinforcements io Gaza, W. Bank, and Arab East Jerusalem on anniversary of Fateh's first attack. Israeli troops use tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse stone-throwing crowds in Nablus. Minor clash is reported in Gaza's Jabalya refugee camp. Curfews are imposed on Gaza's Nusayrat and Jabalya camps, Nablus' Balatah camp, and Am'ari camp, near Ramallah [NYT, LAT 1/2].

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: E. Jerusalem schools, shops remain closed to protest 10/11 clash between police, Jews, and Muslims at al-Aqsa Mosque [FBIS 10/13]. EEC Commissioner Claude Cheysson concludes 3 days of negotiations with Israeli leaders on direct export of W. Bank and Gaza Strip produce to W. Europe [MET 10/24]. Military orders 2 Gaza Strip secondary schools closed for 1 week [FJ 10/18]. Israeli officials partially lift travel ban for Gaza residents [FJ 10/18].

Arab World: Fateh official Abu Iyad (Salah Khalaf) announces that group of Palestinian notables from occupied territories has requested meeting with U.S. Sec. of State George Shultz during his visit to Israel [FBIS 10/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Ramallah, Palestinian bystander is shot, killed when Israeli troops open fire on stone-throwing demonstrators; 5 other Palestinians are injured [FBIS 10/13; WP 10/14]. Violent protests continue in Gaza Strip [FBIS 10/13]. At Bethlehem University, stonethrowing student demonstrators clash with IDF soldiers; university is ordered closed until 10/18 [FJ 10/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports suggest Brig. Gen. Ephraim Sneh, head of W. Bank civil administration, is stepping down from post after repeated differences with Shmuel Goren, Defense Ministry coordinator for occupied territories [LAT 9/17]. In E. Jerusalem, Com. Confronting the Iron Fist holds protest condemning detention of Faysal Husayni [FJ 9/20]. Journalist Mahmud Ramahi receives 5-year prison sentence on charges of leading Fateh military cell [FJ 9/20]. Gaza union leaders are interrogated by Israeli authorities [FJ 9/20].

Arab World: Nabih al-Bizri, Sidon representative to Lebanese parliament who mediated between Amal and Palestinian fighters, survives explosion at his home; 5 others are injured [FJ 9/20].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. orders Palestine Information Office, Washington, D.C., to close within 30 days [NYT 9/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Numerous clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian youths are reported at Balatah refugee camp; 12-year-old boy is killed, 2 others seriously wounded. Camp is placed under curfew [LAT 9/17; FJ 9/20].

Arab World: In overnight battle on slopes of Mt. Hermon in S. Lebanon, Israeli troops battle Lebanese National Resistance Front guerrillas; 3 IDF soldiers are killed, 4 wounded [NYT 9/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military reports arrest on W. Bank of Fateh armed cell affiliated with Islamic Jihad [FJ 8/30]. Israeli Minister of Construction and Housing David Levy announces plan to establish 2 new settlements on W. Bank and to make Hadar Bitar settlement a settlement city [FJ 8/30]. Israeli crews, protected by soldiers and police, demolish 3 houses in Jenin area [FJ 8/30].

Arab World: Abu 'Ali Shahin, PLO representative in Lebanon, is injured in assassination attempt outside 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp in Sidon [CSM 8/27; FJ 8/30].

Other Countries: U.S. Commerce Dept. levies $381,000 fine against NCR Corp. for participation by 9 subsidiaries in Arab boycott of Israel [WP 8/26].

Military Action

Arab World: In S. Lebanon security zone, 6 Israeli soldiers are wounded in mine explosion. Sources report mines were planted by SLA [CSM. 8/26]. Unidentified fighters attack UNIFIL patrol near Yatir, killing 1 Nepalese soldier, wounding 3 others [CSM 8/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike in E. Jerusalem and Ramallah closes most businesses. Al-Fajr editor Hanna Siniora announces plan to lead slate of Palestinian candidates in 1988 Jerusalem municipal elections [LAT 6/6; FJ 6/7]. Jihad Musaymi, served with expulsion order during 5/31-6/1 search of Balatah refugee camp, is deported to Jordan [FJ 6/7].

Arab World: Middle East sources report Syria has closed office of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council and expelled some members [NYT 6/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inresponse to molotov cocktail attack, Israeli army patrol opens fire in Khan Yunis, wounding 4 Palestinians [FJ 4/26].

Arab World: Palestine National Council (PNC) convenes in Algiers in effort to overcome factional differences. Abu Nidal's Revolutionary Council of Fateh leaves Algiers shortly before the parliament opens. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and al-Sa'iqah also boycott the meetings. Abu al-'Abbas, wanted in Italy and the U.S. in connection with the Achille Lauro hijacking, attends. Fateh, PFLP, Palestinian Communist party, and DFLP representatives are among the 300 delegates [FT 4/21, LAT 4/22].

Other Countries: Unknown group, the Suicide Team of the Eagles to Liberate Palestine, issues statement threatening retaliation if Italy deports 'Colonel Ghandora," aide to PLO Chairman Arafat, to a hostile country [FJ 4/26].