The Palestine Chronology

Deadline for start of Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza, Jericho passes. PM Rabin tells reporters, "There are no sacred dates, and I cannot give a commitment that the implementation of the agreement will be finished by April 13th." Rabin also announces that remaining Palestinians expelled 12/17/92 to Lebanon will be allowed to return this week. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/14)

PLO Chmn. Arafat addresses European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, appealing for EU financial support to Palestinian development and noting financial crisis will limit size of Palestinian police force. (MM 12/14)

IDF announces it has been holding a "dialogue" with Hamas leaders in Gaza Strip. (IDF Radio 12/13 in FBIS 12/13)

Islamic Jihad mbr. Anwar Aziz hijacks ambulance btwn. Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya camp, Gaza Strip, for suicide-bomb attack. Aziz killed, IDF soldier wounded when Aziz drives explosives-filled ambulance into IDF jeep. 2 other Palestinians, said to be mbrs. of either Islamic Jihad or PFLP's Red Eagles, shot dead by IDF in Rafah. (MM 12/13; NYT, WP, WT 12/14)

41 Palestinian police trained in Jordan take up duty at Orient House, East Jerusalem hq. of Palestinian delegation to peace talks. (WP 12/14)

Secy. of State Christopher meets PLO Chmn. Arafat in Tunis, 1st visit by a U.S. secy. of state to PLO hq. Christopher delivers invitation fr. PM Rabin to Arafat for mtg. in Cairo, says both should reach "agreement so the accord will move forward." Christopher also says he is "impressed" by PLO plans for economic development ino.t. Later Christopher meets in Rabat with Moroccan King Hassan II. (NYT, WP, WT 12/11; NYT 12/13)

3 Palestinians killed by settlers in ambush nr. Hebron. Kach movement claims responsibility for attack. (NYT, WP, WT 12/11)

Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi resigns fr. her PLO posts to form Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights. Ashrawi had earlier been nominated to head PLO office in Washington, D.C. (NYT, WP, WT 12/11)

PFLP mbr. Zaki Ahmad Najar killed in Jabaliya camp, Gaza Strip. PFLP says he died in gun-cleaning accident; other sources blame factional fighting or IDF undercover units. (NYT 12/14

PLO-Israel talks on transfer of authority over health, education, and other services open in al-Arish, Egypt. Israeli delegation headed by Brig. Gen. Gadi Zohar, head of Civil Administration in West Bank, PLO delegation by Jamal Tarifi. (MM 11/24)

PLO-Israel economic subcomms. on trade and labor, fiscal issues, and banking and finance begin sessions in Paris. (MM 11/24)

Hamas-PFLP-DFLP coalition opposed to DoP wins all 9 seats on Birzeit University student council, defeating Fateh-PPP slate favoring DoP. Result ends 16 yrs. of domination of student council by Fateh. (MM 11/24, 11/25; NYT 11/25)

Imad 'Aql, 21, alleged head of Hamas "'Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades" military wing, killed in shoot-out with IDF at Gaza City roadblock. PM Rabin calls action a "great achievement"; IDF Chief of Staff Barak terms it an "important achievement in the war against terror." Hamas, Fateh call 3-day general strike in protest. In al-Burayi camp, alleged drug trafficker Muhammad Ilian, 32, stabbed to death by masked Palestinians. (Qol Yisra'el 11/24 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, WP, WT 11/25)

Jordan's King Hussein pays official visit to Egypt, meeting Pres. Mubarak and ending 3 yrs' estrangement over Jordan's stance in 1990-91 Gulf crisis. (NYT, WP, WT 11/25)

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators resume in Cairo talks to implement 9/13 agreement. Talks center on size of IDF force around Gaza settlements, extent of Palestinian authority in Jericho, and control of border crossings. (NYT 11/16)

Multilateral talks Environment Comm. holds session attended by delegates fr. over 40 countries in Cairo. (MENA 11/15 in FBIS 11/16)

Hebron settler kills Palestinian attacking him with hatchet; 2d attacker flees with settler's rifle. PFLP claims responsibility for attack fr. Beirut, names dead Palestinian as Muhammad Badawi Burkan, 26, of Hebron. Settlers riot, burning Palestinian vegetable stands and stoning Palestinian cars. In separate incident, Palestinian badly wounded in attack by Beit El settlers. (MM 11/15)

Hamas issues statement condemning PLO Chmn. Arafat's condemnation of 10/29 killing of settler Haim Mizrachi, calling it evidence of his "disgraceful submissiveness" and of his "readiness to liquidate the cause of our people." (MM 11/15)

Israeli Econ. Min. Shimon Shitreet says scope of support [for DoP] has diminished" due to recent killings of settlers. (CSM 11/16)

Qatar announces establishment of direct phone service to o.t., 1st Gulf state to do so. (MM 11/15)

U.S. Pres. Clinton assures Syrian Pres. al-Asad that U.S. and Israel support continued efforts for Syrian-Israeli agreement. Assurance transmitted in letter given Syrian FM al-Shara' by U.S. coordinator Dennis Ross, which also states Secy. of State Christopher will tour Middle East in early Dec. to pursue Arab-Israeli talks. (NYT, WP 11/16)

U.S. Dept. of Defense offers to sell Israel 20 modified F-15E (F-151) fighter-bombers, valued at $1.8 b. Israeli PM Rabin, after meeting with Secy. of Defense Les Aspin, says offer under consideration. (NYT, WP 11/16)

At meeting with journalists in Washington, Israeli PM Rabin identifies Ilam as major threat to Middle East peace, accuses Iran of supporting Somali militia leader Mohamed Farah Aideed. (WP 11/16)

Lt. Col. Muin Shabaita, 2d in command of Fateh militia in 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp, Sidon, Lebanon, killed by unknown gunmen. Fateh security chief at 'Ayn al-Hilwah, Abi Husayn Farhud, blames FRC ("Abu Nidal" faction) for killing. (NYT, WP 11/16)

Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith (ADL) agrees to San Francisco court injunction not to use illegal means to gather information. ADL was found to have access to police files on Arab Americans, among other groups, and was accused in criminal investigation of providing information to South Africa and Israel. Civil suits by targets of ADL investigations remain open. (WP 11/16)

PLO delegation suspends participation in talks with Israelis at Taba, Egypt, complaining Israeli proposals on withdrawal fr. Gaza Strip and Jericho are a redeployment, not withdrawal. (NYT 11/4)

PFLP delegation holds talks in Baghdad with Iraqi Dep. PM Tariq 'Aziz, next day with VP Taha Yasin Ramadhan. (INA 11/2, 11/3 in FBIS 11/2, 11/3)

Israeli Mayor of Jerusalem Teddy Kollek defeated in mayoral election by Likud's Ehud Olmert by 60%-34% vote. Kollek had served for 28 years. Likud also wins Tel Aviv mayoralty with Ronni Milo defeating Avigdor Kahalani. Israeli local elections were seen in part as referendum on 9/13 PLO-Israel accord. Israeli PM Rabin comments, "I think what happened, especially in Jerusalem, has a negative aspect for us. I neither deny it nor hide it. It's a reality, and it's a very unpleasant one." (NYT 11/3, 11/4)

PFLP leader Habash, following meetings in Damascus, says 10 Palestinian opposition factions will form new front to counter DoP, "rebuild the PLO on democratic bases." (MM 10/18)

Yeshiva student stabbed by Palestinian at Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, West Bank. Curfew imposed on Hebron Palestinians; settlers rampage, injuring 6 Palestinians. DFLP (Hawatmah faction), in statement issued in Damascus, claims responsibility for knife attack, pledges "to escalate and expand our military operations against the enemy and the settlers in all the occupied Palestinian territories until we foil the Gaza-Jericho agreement." PFLP claims responsibility for 10/9 killing of 2 Israeli hikers near Jericho. (WP 10/16, WT 10/18)

Israeli PM Rabin visits Indonesia, largest country without diplomatic relations with Israel, and meets with Pres. Suharto, chairman of Nonaligned Movement, for over an hour. Rabin states he is looking for nonaligned support for peace process and cooperation with Israel. An Indonesian diplomat is quoted by NYT as saying establishment of Indonesian-Israeli diplomatic relations is "only a matter of time," but that Jakarta wishes "to see the Middle East peace process progress a bit further." Rabin also visits Singapore, Kenya. (NYT 10/16; MM 10/18)

PLO Central Council ends 2-day meeting in Tunis, votes 63-8 (9 abstentions) to approve Palestinian-Israeli DoP. 25 delegates to the 107-member council do not attend, including reps. of PFLP and DFLP, who boycott meeting, and several opponents of the accord who were not invited or barred fr. entering Tunisia, including Fateh mbr. Hani al-Hasan. Meeting also adopts resolution establishing Palestinian National Authority under Arafat to assume powers transferred by Israel. Turmoil surrounding meeting points to power struggle among Arafat loyalists as PLO figures contend for positions in nascent Palestinian administration in Gaza and Jericho. (WT 10/12; CSM, NYT, WP 10/13)

Applications for the Palestine Central Security Force (Palestinian police) reportedly far outstrip vacancies, with 30,000 applications issued for the 17,000-strong force. 4,000 forms are filled out in Hebron, while 10,000 are submitted in Gaza for 3,800 vacancies. (WT 10/11)

CIA informs Senate Govtl. Affairs Comm. that Israel has been providing China with advanced military technology for over a decade, including fighter aircraft, missiles, and tanks. Report estimates Israel-China weapons trade amounts to "several billion dollars," notes that Israeli weapons companies are expanding presence in China. Report asserts "the Chinese seek fr. Israel advanced military technology that U.S. and Western firms are unwilling to provide." Israeli embassy denies Israel has transferred U.S. technology to China, spokeswoman saying, "Israel adheres to all of its commitments to the United States with regard to its relationship with China." (NYT, WT 10/13)

Israeli PM Rabin meets in Beijing with Chinese PM Li Peng, toasts new Israeli-Chinese pacts on consular affairs, aviation. (MM 10/11; WT 10/12)

PLO Central Council opens meeting in Tunis to debate approval of PLO-Israel DoP. PFLP and DFLP (Hawatmah faction) boycott meeting, as do PPSF and PLF. (SARR 10/10 in FBIS 10/13; WP 10/11)

Israeli PM Rabin departs for China, says he will stick by agreement with PLO despite upsurge in violence. (NYT 10/11)

PLO rep. in Jordan Tayib 'Abd al-Rahim announces that 2 plots to kill PLO Chmn. Arafat have been foiled. 1 attempt was by Arafat bodyguards suborned by FRC ("Abu Nidal"), 2d by unidentified group that sought to bomb Arafat's plane. (WT 10/10)

2 Israeli hikers fr. Jerusalem stabbed and shot to death in Wadi Qilt, near Jericho in the West Bank. "Al-Aqsa Brigade" of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in statement released in Amman, claims responsibility, says 3 killed. Statement declares, "We will never surrender or accept any concessions on the land of Palestine which will become a graveyard for the Jews." PFLP also claims responsibility. (NYT 10/10; MM, NYT, WT 10/11)

PFLP guerrilla killed by Israeli soldiers as he sails jet ski off Lebanese coast near Israeli border. UN sources report 2 killed, not 1. (NYT 10/10, 10/11)

Palestinian factions opposed to DoP-including DFLP (Hawatmah faction), PFLP, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad-announce in Damascus establishment of National Islamic Front to counter PLO. Alliance fails to call congress to elect new PLO leadership due to reluctance of Islamic groups to identify with secular PLO. Front's declaration calls Palestinian police to be set up under PLO-Israel accord "a traitor force, and an oppressive enemy force." (CSM 10/14)

Jordan denounces 9/23 Israeli court ruling on status of Haram al-Sharif, says it will continue with restoration work on Dome of the Rock regardless of Israeli stance. (MM 10/11)

PNC Dep. Speaker Taysir Qubba'a of PFLP resigns to protest DoP, failure of PLO leadership to put it to PNC vote. (MM 10/8)

Arab Lawyers' Union condemns DoP. In statement released in Cairo, group says accord denies legitimate Palestinian rights, urges world to press Israel to release Palestinian prisoners, allow return of 1967 refugees. (MM 10/8)

U.S. officials say that U.S. assistance to Palestinian autonomous entity will amount to $500 m. over 5 years, $375 m. fr. U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) and $125 m. in guarantees by Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC). AID funds for FY 1994 will amount to $75 m., $48 m. fr. Economic Support Fund and $14 m. in development assistance, food aid grants, housing guarantees, and private-sector loan guarantees. (WT 10/9)

10,000 spectators attend soccer match between Palestinian and French teams in Jericho. Palestine wins, 1-0, at playing field decorated with Palestinian flags. Game features playing of Palestinian national anthem. (NYT 10/9; MM 10/11)

PFLP, DFLP announce they are exploring reuniting 2 leftist factions, split since 1969. Fateh Cent. Comm. mbr. Hani al-Hasan, an opponent of DoP, meets in Damascus with PFLP's Habash, DFLP's Hawatmah, and Khalid al-Fahum of PNSF. (AFP, RMC 9/28 in FBIS 9/29)

IDF raids Islamic center-comprising mosque, kindergarten, and public library-in Gaza City. 30 Israeli soldiers search female teachers, frighten schoolchildren, and defile mosque by not removing boots upon entry. (WT 9/29)

Israeli newspapers HaAretz, Ma'a nv, Davar report that Israeli PM Rabin and Jordanian King Hussein met 9/26 in Aqaba to discuss future relations in wake of PLO-Israel accord. Both Rabin's spokesman and Palace officials in Amman deny meeting. Ma'aniv publishes list of 22 meetings Hussein held with Israeli leaders between 1963 and 1991. (MM 9/28; NYT, WP 9/29)

Senate Foreign Relations Comm. approves by voice vote Middle East Peace Facilitation Act. Bill waives ban on U.S. relations with and aid to PLO. Measure passes full Senate next day. (WP, WT 9/29)

American Jewish Comm. poll shows 90% of American Jews believe Israel will gain fr. recognizing PLO; 57% favor establishment of a Palestinian state; 42% believe PLO cannot be trusted to honor commitments on terrorism; 47% oppose continued settlement activity in o.t.; 43% support it. (WP 9/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat announces Hamas has agreed to not obstruct PLO efforts to implement PLO-Israel agreement, refrain fr. violence among Palestinians. Agreement allegedly signed 9/15 in Gaza by Fateh and Hamas reps. Arafat says pact paves way for 10/93 meeting in Yemen between PLO and opposition factions. Arafat travels to Alexandria to reassure Egyptian Pres. Mubarak of Palestinian gratitude for support in peace process. (MM 9/16; NYT 9/17; WT 9/18)

Syrian radio reports VP Khaddam met with DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah, PFLP head George Habash. (MM, NYT 9/17)

Jordan begins police registration of illegal Palestinian residents. Estimated 60,000 residents of o.t. have overstayed temporary Jordanian visas this year. (Sawt al-Sha'b 9/16 in FBIS 9/17; MM 9/17)

Opinion surveys show that 60% of Israeli Jews support Israel-PLO agreement signed 9/13. (WP 9/17)

EC pledges $1 b. for Middle East programs. Funds are earmarked for hospital, 50,000 housing units in Gaza and building of Palestinian "administrative backbone." EC also considering funding large-scale regional programs, including highway system to link Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. EC commissioner for development aid Manuel Marin meets in Brussels with PLO official Nabil Shaath to discuss distribution of assistance. (WP 9/17)

Nayif Hawatmah of DFLP, George Habash of PFLP meet in Tripoli with Libyan leader Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi. Libya and Iraq are only Arab states to explicitly oppose PLO-Israel agreement. (NYT 9/16, 9/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, in telephone conversation with Jordan's King Hussein, discloses U.S. will release $30 m. in aid to Amman frozen due to Jordan's position in 1990-91 Gulf crisis. Release is due to signing of Jordan-Israel common agenda. Clinton also calls Syrian Pres. al-Asad, urges him to rein in Damascus-based Palestinian factions opposed to PLO-Israel agreement. (NYT 9/16; CSM, NYT 9/17; NYT 9/18)

U.S. joins with Russia, Egypt, and Israel to eliminate, revise, or defer 32 UNGA resolutions critical of Israel. Resolutions to be changed or discarded include those establishing Comm. on Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, criticizing Israeli human rights practices, examining Israeli-South African relations, and calling on Israel to renounce nuclear weapons. (NYT 9/16)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, in Washington, breakfasts with 20 U.S. senators, appeals for U.S. loan guarantees for Palestinian entity and end to legislation restricting PLO activities in U.S. He then speaks to National Press Club luncheon and travels to New York for 1st visit to UN since 1974. (NYT 9/15)

Jordanian Amb. to U.S. Fayez Tarawneh and Israeli negotiator Eliakim Rubinstein, in Washington, sign "common agenda" for further negotiations. (NYT 9/15)

Israeli PM Rabin, returning fr. U.S., stops in Morocco for surprise meeting with King Hassan II. After 2 hours of talks, Rabin calls visit "a step toward diplomatic relations"; Hasan, head of ICO's Jerusalem Comm., calls PLO-Israel agreement "astep toward abetter future." (MM 9/14; NYT, WP 9/15)

PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi holds talks in Baghdad with Iraqi Dep. PM Tariq 'Aziz, other Iraqi officials. Meanwhile, PFLP chief Habash meets in Damascus with Syrian VP Khaddam, who promisesupport for Palestinian "national righto a state with Jerusalem asits capital." (MM 9/15)

PFLP-GC, "unified leadership" of PFLP and DFLP, ALF all issue statements rejecting DoP. (QPAR, SANA, INA 9/14 in FBIS 9/14)

Baha al-Din al-Najr, 19, presumed Hamas activist, dies in suicide bomb attack on Gaza City police station. Also in Gaza, Ismail Sheber, 21, attempts to stab IDF soldier and is shot dead. Closure imposed on Gaza Strip by IDF 9/15-19. (IDF Radio 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; NYT, WP 9/15)

In Beirut, 15,000 (Hizballah claims 150,000) attend funeral of 8 Hizballah mbrs. killed 9/13 by Lebanese soldiers during demonstration against PLO-Israel accord. Hizballah leader Shaykh Hasan Nasrallah calls for resignation ofPM Rafiq Hariri's govt. over incident. (MM 9/14; NYT 9/15)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. 'Abd Allah Hurani resigns in protest of DoP, Israel-PLO recognition, calls for emergency PNC meeting. (MENA 9/11 in FBIS 9/13)

IDF shoots 2 Palestinians dead, wounds 8 in Ramallah during PFLP/Hamas-led march against Israel-PLO agreement. Other Palestinians wounded in clashes during demonstrations in Gaza, Jerusalem. 20,000 participate in 4 demonstrations in support of accord. (NYT, WP 9/12)

World Bank releases 6-volume report, prepared at request of Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, saying West Bank and Gaza Strip require at least $3 b. in aid over next decade. (NYT 9/12)

White House announces Israeli PM Rabin, PLO Chmn. Arafat will attend 9/13 signing of DoP. (NYT 9/12)

Pres. Clinton speaks by telephone with Saudi King Fahd, Syrian Pres. al-Asad, Jordanian King Hussein, and Israeli PM Rabin in effort to secure support for agreement. Clinton pledges Israel "additional guarantees" for its security, in part to keep Israeli public opinion supportive of peace process. (NYT, WP 9/12)

Damascus-based Palestinian opposition factions call for general strike in o.t., Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria 9/13 to protest Israel-PLO accord. Demonstrations against accords held in al-Wahdat, al-Baq'a refugee camps in Jordan. Jordan Times 9/11 in FBIS 9/13; NYT 9/12)

Israeli PM Rabin formally signs letter recognizing PLO as "the representative of the Palestinian people" 10 hours after PLO Chmn. Arafat signs letters of recognition. (NYT 9/11)

U.S. Pres. Clinton lifts ban on U.S. contacts with PLO, saying PLO commitments to Israel "justify aresumption of our dialogue." Move paves way for PLO Chmn. Arafat to attend signing ceremony 9/13. (WP 9/11)

Fateh supporters hold march in Gaza in support of PLO-Israel agreement attended by thousands, with similar march held in East Jerusalem organized by PLO. Hamas leads counter-demonstrations in Gaza City and Rafah. 3 Hamas supporters wounded in clashes with IDF. (NYT 9/11)

PFLP and DFLP (Hawatmah) withdraw reps. fr. PLO Exec. Comm. to protest PLO-Israel agreement. Withdrawal coincides with resignation of PLO rep. in Lebanon Shafiq al-Hut and denunciation of accord by 10 Palestinian opposition factions. (RMC 9/10 in FBIS 9/10; WP 9/11)

Lebanese FM Buwayz rejects working paper submitted to Lebanon by Israel. (RL 9/10 in FBIS 9/13)

11th round of Syria-Israeli bilateral talks resumes in Washington, Syrian delegate al-'Allaf saying agreement with Israel "unlikely." (SATV 9/7 in FBIS 9/8)

Israeli opponents of DoP demonstrate in Jerusalem; police say 50,000 attend, settler leaders claim as many as 250,000. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/8; CSM 9/9)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets with Oman's Sultan Qabus to secure Gulf support of PLO-Israel accord after visit to Cairo to meet Egyptian Pres. Mubarak. (MENA 9/7 in FBIS 9/8; WP 9/9)

IDF shoots dead mbr. of PFLP-affiliated "Red Eagles" in Gaza City after he throws grenade at IDF patrol. (MM 9/7)

GCC states vote to support PLO-Israel agreement, calling it 1st step toward "just, lasting and comprehensive peace." (MM 9/6; WP 9/6, 9/9; NYT 9/7)

U.S. Pres. Clinton sends letters to leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen urging Arab support for DoP. (NYT 9/6)

Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood calls DoP "humiliating," warns it could spark a "Palestinian civil war." (MM 9/6)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Syrian Pres. al-Asad in Damascus to explain the "contents of the agreement and the circumstances that surrounded it," according to al-Asad's spokesman. DFLP's Hawatmah, PFLP's Habash refuse to meet Arafat, Habash calling DoP a "sellout," (MM, WP 9/6; WP, WT 9/7)

Oslo talks btwn. PLO, Israel on mutual recognition adjourn. (NYT, WP 9/2)

Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz arrives in Damascus for talks with Pres. al-Asad, FM al-Shara' concerning DoP. (MM 9/1)

Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa holds talks with Israeli officials in Jerusalem on text of Israel-PLO mutual recognition, forwards draft to PLO in Tunis. (MM 9/2)

PLO Chmn. Arafat flies to Rabat for consultations with Moroccan King Hassan on follow-up to Israel-PLO agreement. (MM 9/2; NYT 9/3)

PFLP head Habash tells French TV Arafat no longer represents Palestinians, vows PFLP will fight DoP "with all its might" because it ignores rights of diaspora Palestinians. DFLP chief Hawatmah, on RMC, calls DoP "sad, tragic," says it will allow Israel to "liquidate the intifada." (MM 9/2)

Pro-DoP rally at al-Najah University attended by 4,000, addressed by Arafat by telephone. Faisal Husseini meets in Jerusalem with opposition figures, who maintain anti-DoP position, while 15 injured in Gaza Strip when Hamas mbrs. stone pro-DoP rally. (MM 9/2)

Palestinian o.t. figures issue statement denouncing DoP, Arafat's leadership. (al-Ra'y 9/1 in FBIS 9/2)

King Hussein tells Ghassan Tueni of al-Nahar that "We in Jordan do not accept the imposition on us of any agreement to which we are not a party" in remarks excerpted on JTV. Hussein demands Arab summit to discuss consequences of PLO-Israel accord. (MM 9/2; NYT, WP 9/3)

Israeli Police Min. Moshe Shahal says Palestinian police to be set up under Oslo agreement "will not have authority to halt Israelis." (MM 9/2)

PLO Exec. Comm. meeting in Tunis. PFLP threatens walkout of 7 comm. mbrs.- 3 independents, reps. of PFLP, DFLP (Hawatmah), PLF, and ALF - if Chmn. Arafat blocks discussion of financial, political crises. PFLP rep. 'Abd al-Rahman Malluh, independent Bishop Ilyas Khuri, and Shafiq al-Hut do not attend. Mahmud Darwish, who had resigned, says he will attend to show resignation fr. Exec. Comm. "does not mean resignation fr. the PLO." DFLP (Hawatmah) rep. Taysir Khalid says he will demand resignation of all PLO leaders responsible for negotiations with Israel. (MM 8/26, 8/27)

PLO Information head Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh passes message fr. Chmn. Arafat to French govt. on provisional PLO-Israel accord. 'Abd-Rabbuh later tells RFI "we think that now there is a possibility of an historic breakthrough btwn. us and the Israelis." (MM 8/27)

Al-Sharq al-Awsat quotes delegation spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi as saying delegation cut to 7 negotiators, 1 asst. due to PLO financial straits. (MM 8/26)

Palestinian delegation to peace talks holds coordinating meeting in Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 8/23 in FBIS 8/24)

PLO Chmn. Arafat visits Amman for talks with Jordanian leaders, defends "Gaza-Jericho lst" plan. (MM 8/24)

PLO names teams to Jordanian-Palestinian comms. set up 7/14. Each of 6 teams to be headed by Exec. Comm. mbr. (al-Ray 8/23 in FBIS 8/24)

PFLP rep. on PLO Exec. Comm. 'Abd al-Rahman Malluh says comm. mbrs. disturbed by PLO "political concessions," threatens mass resignation. (MM 8/24)

Fateh cmdr. in Lebanon Lt. Col. Munir al-Maqdah calls for Arafat's resignation, citing effects of PLO financial crisis on fighters, political concessions. "Fateh Free Officers" release statement in o.t. saying they have lost confidence in Arafat; al-Sharq al-Awsat says "Force 17" endorses "Free Officers' " position. Fateh Cent. Comm. mbr. Khalid al-Hasan endorses calls for "national salvation govt." (RFL 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; MM 8/24)

General Accounting Office (GAO) releases report criticizing U.S.-Israel "Arrow" missile program, saying project lacks "sound cost, schedule and performance information." (MM, WT 8/24)

Hamas supporters defeat joint Fateh-PFLP slate in elections for Gaza Strip accountants' association. (MM 7/26)

Hizballah katyushas hit northern Israel; IDF shells launch area in retaliation. (MM 7/23)

Palestinian-American Muhammad Jarad, arrested by Israel for allegedly providing finances for Hamas, released from Ramallah jail after a 6-month term. (WT 7/25; Qol Yisra'el 7/24 in FBIS 7/27)

Jerusalem's Arabic daily newspaper al-Fajr closes after 22 years of publication due to lack of funds. The paper's weekly English edition continues. (WT 7/24)

Fateh delegation led by 'Abbas Zaki meets with 7 Palestinian factions opposed to peace process in Damascus. Organizations represented are PPSF, PLF, PFLP, DFLP, PFLPGC, al-Sa'iqah, and Islamic Jihad. Delegation is to proceed to Amman for meeting with Hamas. (Algiers VOP, al-Rayv 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

FM Peres proposes opening negotiations on final status based on Palestinian-Jordanian confederation in meeting with U.S. envoy Ross. (Ha Aretz 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

U.S. delegation holds 2d meeting with Israeli leadership. Official statements are terse, but it is speculated discussions included tensions between Israel and Syria following escalation of violence in southern Lebanon. (MM 7/13)

2d U.S.-Palestinian meeting held at U.S. consulate in Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli rights group B'Tselem says 232 Palestinians under 17 killed by IDF since start of intifada, 38 in last 6 months. IDF calls such deaths "unavoidable," claims intifada casualties have declined, saying 166 Israelis, 1,859 Palestinians killed since outbreak of uprising. Report also states 100,000 Palestinians detained, 60,000 incarcerated over same period. (MM 7/13; Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/15; WT 7/14)

Israeli police arrest 4 teenage members of "Kahane Lives" for the 11/92 grenade murder of a Palestinian in Jerusalem. (NYT 7/14)

Palestinian motorist shot dead by Border Police, second wounded in Hebron. (ITV 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

PLO reconciliation meeting held in Damascus grouping representatives of Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP (Hawatmah faction). (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

PLO joins with Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tunisia, and Turkey in offer to send peacekeepers to Bosnia. (WP 7/14)

Jordan's King Hussein meets Secy. of State Christopher and congressional leaders. (Radio Jordan 6/25 in FBIS 6/25)

Al-Fajr reports Palestinian delegation's clarification of trainees in Jordan: they are not connected with proposed police force, but will guard Palestinian institutions in the transitional period (see 6/20). (al-Fajr 6/25 in FBIS 6/28)

PFLP delegation led by Sec.-Gen. Habash meets with Yemeni V.P. 'Ali Salim al-Bid in San'a' (Yemeni Republic Radio 6/25 in FBIS 6/25)

Israel allows all o.t. residents over 50 to cross green line without special permits. (ITV 6/25 in FBIS 6/28)

Israeli helicopters fire rockets at Palestinian guerilla office near Tyre, Lebanon, wounding one. (MM 6/28)

PFLP claims responsibility for 5/28 Hebron stabbing. (AFP 5/29 in FBIS 6/1)

'Abd al-Salam al-Majali, head of Jordanian delegation to peace talks with Israel, is appointed PM, FM, DM, forms cabinet to succeed PM Sharif Zayid bin Shakir. (RJN 5/29 in FBIS 6/1)

Likud convention defeats motion that would have allowed party to disregard any territorial compromises signed by present govt. Convention ends over hotly debated new constitution, seen by many to concentrate power in Chmn. Binyamin Netanyahu. (Qol Yisra'el 5/19 in FBIS 5/20)

Fateh wins 6 out of 9 seats in Bethlehem U. elections; PFLP, DFLP, Hamas each take a seat. (Ha'Aretz 5/20 in FBIS 5/21)

IDF shoot 2 armed Hamas mbrs. dead near Hebron. (MM 5/19)

Joint Fateh-PFLP force clashes with SLA inside "security zone," killing 1 SLA, 2 Fateh, 1 PFLP gunman. (RFL 5/15, VOL 5/14 in FBIS 5/17)

PFLP Red Eagles, in retaliation for 4/16 IDF attack on leader's car in Lebanon, kill Israeli lawyer and EC consultant in Gaza City, 1st Israeli killed since o.t. were sealed 3/31. Govt. votes to maintain closure; about 9,000 Palestinians are being allowed in daily. (Qol Yisra'el 4/18 in FBIS 4/19; MM, NYT, WP 4/19)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir'Abd-Rabbuh, delegation spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi say some obstacles to Palestinian participation in 4/20 talks remain; Palestinians will seek delay to resumption. (MM 4/16; NYT, WP 4/17)

Southern Lebanon deportees sign wills, don funeral shrouds, stage "death march" towards Israel, are driven back by over 20 Israeli shells. (VOM 4/15, IDF Radio 4/16 in FBIS 4/16; MM 4/16)

Hamas car bomb near West Bank Israeli settlement kills the driver and 1 other Palestinian, wounds 8 IDF soldiers. (MM 4/16; IDF Radio 4/17 in FBIS 4/20; NYT, WP 4/17)

IDF helicopters attack PFLP cmdr. Samir Suwaydan's motorcade, killing his wife and daughter, 1 other civilian, just north of the "security zone." (NYT 4/18; AFP 4/16, HaAretz 4/18 in FBIS 4/19)

Former Pres. Bush ends 3-day visit to Kuwait, where he received an honorary Ph.D. and standing ovations for defending Kuwait. (MM 4/15; NYT 4/16)

PM Rabin meets with UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali in New York. (MM 3/17)

Gunfire erupts near Palestinian negotiator Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi in Rafah, Gaza, killing 52-year-old schoolteacher within 10 feet of him. IDF and Israeli TV says PFLP gunmen tried to shoot the delegate (PFLP denies); 'Abd al-Shafi says bullets came from IDF firing on stonethrowers. IDF kills 1, wounds over 50 Palestinians in Khan Yunis. (Qol Yisra'el 3/18, 3/19 in FBIS 3/19; MM, NYT 3/18, 3/19)

Hamas spokesman in Amman Ibrahim Ghawshah announces the group will escalate attacks in the West Bank to make conditions there similar to Gaza, to force Israel to withdraw. (MM 3/18)

Last Friday of Ramadan passes peacefully in Jerusalem, where over 200,000 Palestinians prayed at al-Aqsa Mosque, watched over by scores of Israeli police. (MM 3/19)

Joint PFLP-Fateh unit attacks Israeli, SLA forces in "security zone." (VOL 3/19 in FBIS 3/22)