The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli peace campaigner Abie Nathan, sentenced to 6 months in prison for meeting with Yasir Arafat, is released 2 months early for good behavior. He vows to continue the activities for which he was jailed [NYT, FBIS 2/12; MET 2/20].

Israel and Czechoslovakia renew diplomatic ties that were severed in 1967 [LAT 2/10; MET 2/20].

Arab World: The New York Times reports that a rift has developed between Egypt and the PLO over the 2/4 bus attack in Egypt. Egypt finds PLO's qualified condemnation of the attack as hampering the peace process, while PLO is seen as reluctant to give Egypt too great a role in the process [NYT 2/10].

Other Countries: 73 U.S. Senators have signed a letter to Pres. Bush urging against cutting aid to Israel and Egypt. The letter was drafted by Senators Levin and Wilson [LAT 2/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike called for by UNLU is observed in O.T. [FBIS 2/9; FJ 2/12].

20-year-old Qabatya resident is shot dead by Israeli soldiers after attacking soldiers with knife [FBIS, FJ 2/12].

At least 7 Palestinians are wounded throughout O.T. [FJ 2/12].

Social/Economic/Political

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

Military Action

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

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

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed on W. Bank including E. Jerusalem protesting imprisonment of women [LAT 7/30].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Abu Daif, 24- year-old Palestinian dies of wounds sustained 7/20 [LAT 7/30, FJ 7/31]. Troops use tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators in 'Aidah refugee camp. In Nusayrat authorities destroy 3 homes. In Husan, 40 people are arrested. In Gaza, 2 border policemen are injured [FJ 7/31]. Throughout the territories curfews keep 145,000 people in their homes [LAT 7/30].

Arab World: Near Sidon, PLO fighters clash with Amal militia [FJ 8/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli court convicts John Demjanjuk of crimes against the Jewish people, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes against a persecuted people [WP 4/19]. General strike continues in occupied territories [FJ 4/24]. Israeli officials confiscate al-Fajr, al-Quds, and al-Sha'b. Al-Fajr is banned from distribution in W. Bank and Gaza Strip for 2 weeks [FJ 4/24].

Arab World: PLO announces Khalil al-Wazir will be buried in Syria. Tunisian govemment officially blames Israel for assassination of Wazir [WP 4/19].

Other Countries: U.S. condemns murder of PLO military leader Khalil al-Wazir as "act of political assassination" [NYT 4/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Entire W. Bank, except Jericho, is declared closed military zone [FJ 4/24]. Palestinian is killed when soldiers open fire on demonstration in Rafah. Palestinian from Gaza's Zaytun quarter is shot dead in separate incident. In Jenin, protester is shot in head, seriously wounded. Curfews continue in 16 camps, Nablus, and 'Anabta. Village of 'Azzun is ordered under curfew [FJ 4/24]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian teenager is shot, killed by Israeli civilian in Baqa al-Sharqiyyah; civilian is released on bail [FJ 2/28]. General strike continues throughout W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 2/28]. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Shomron reiterates policy of using physical force, including beatings, against Palestinian protesters; in letter to troop commanders, Shomron also states that beatings are not to be used against those already under arrest or those not resisting arrest. IDF spokesman confirms army is investigating accusations that soldiers beat and buried 2 Gaza Strip youths on beach near Khan Yunis; youths were later rescued [LAT 2/24]. Palestinian leaders from occupied territories confirm no Palestinians will meet with U.S. Sec. of State Shultz without PLO consent [LAT 2/24]. F.M. Peres dismisses reports suggesting Labor party was to receive bribe for promises not to interfere with proposed Iraqi pipeline [NYT 2/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military vehicle carrying Shin Bet agents is attacked with bombs and gunfire in Gaza; no one is injured and attackers escape [WP, LAT 2/25]. In Yamun village near Jenin, troops use live ammunition to disperse demonstrators throwing fire bombs; 1 Palestinian is killed, 2 soldiers and 5 villagers are wounded. Village is placed under curfew [FJ 2/28]. In al-Birah, troops arrest, beat demonstrators calling for resignation of Israeli-appointed mayor [FJ 2/28]. Soldiers use rubber bullets to disperse 2 marches protesting Shultz visit in 'Izariyyah and Abu Dis villages near Jerusalem; 6 Palestinians are arrested [FJ 2/28]. In Gaza Strip, demonstration erupts in Jabalya camp during visit of Australian F.M. William Hayden; soldiers fire tear gas. Soldiers teargas, arrest protesters in Beach camp [FJ 2/28]. Curfews are lifted in Qalqiliyyah town and Tulkarm-district village of Zanabah. Curfews in Jalazun and Am'ari camps remain in effect [FJ 2/28].

Arab World: Near S. Lebanon village of Barashit, inside Israeli security zone, 2 Israeli soldiers are killed, several others wounded in rocket attack [NYT 2/24]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gov't. orders Palestinian money-changers in Jerusalem stop trading in US dollars. Ramallah military court fines Fatmeh Ja'afari IS 20,000 for possessing "illegal literature" [purchased in Jerusalem]. DM Rabin meets with Mayor Freij, approves $700,000 Saudi grant for Bethlehem development projects. FM Shamir calls for creation of new UN including "only democratic countries." Nahal inaugurates 4 settlements: Rotem in Jordan Valley, Heahzut near Gush Etzion, Amitai & Ye'elon in Negev. Morechet Benyamin Co. dumps truckloads of rubble on jib village land, rendering it unusable for farming. FM Shamir expresses alarm to visiting US congressmen at apparent Jordanian-PLO rapprochement.

Arab World: PNC Chrmn. Khalid Fahoum declines to issue invitations to PNC mtg. called by Chrmn. Arafat pending further unity talks. Christians & Muslim unite in general strike through S. Lebanon to protest Israeli kidnapping of Amal Shi'ite leaders; Phalangist Joseph Ghanem sends letter of solidarity with demonstrators in Sidon.

Other Countries: 9th anniversary of UN resolution equating Zionism with racism. Special UN panel publicizes findings on Israeli activity in occupied territories; reports Israel continues to disregard Geneva Convention on civilian rights under occupation. In New York Federal Court, hearings begin for Ariel Sharon's libel suit against Time magazine.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew imposed on Dheisheh camp after Border Policeman hit with thrown rock; boys' school raided by Border Police; area declared closed military zone.

Arab World: 2 Israeli soldiers wounded by light arms fire in Jibsheet; 2 wounded by RPG fire in Ghaziya village, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in El AL office, Vienna; no injuries.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Encouraged by US urging to restore Egypt-Israel relations, Shafi Abdul Hamid received by Shamir. [Hamid is first ranking Egyptian diplomat to visit Israel since invasion of Lebanon.] On eve of cabinet mtg. over austerity measures, PM Shamir calls emergency mtg. for Herut members of Cabinet in unity attempt.

Arab World: Sidon port on general strike in response to Israel's occupation, recent killing of 3 and arrest of 2 local citizens. Aides in Sana'a, YAR announce Arafat approves military plan for future PLO action.

Other Countries: 13 retired US generals and admirals return from visit to Israel sponsored by B'nai Brith.

Military Action:

IDF attacked twice in Sidon; fighting continues in Tripoli.

Casualties:

Tripoli death toll for weekend is 17.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Cabinet discusses fighting in Chouf, is briefed on Lebanese negotiations by Foreign Minister Shamir and David Kimche, hears of new security measures to be taken to reduce Israeli casualties in Lebanon; 3 members of Committee Against the War in Lebanon on trial for breach of peace after distributing leaflets in Haifa; Government agrees to 12% wage increase for public employees, averting general strike; official statistics show GNP did not increase in 1982, while real wages declined 3%; Begin's adviser on Arab Affairs Ben-yamin Gur-Arye says Begin will see if evacuation of Negev Bedouin families can be postponed; Bedouin township of Rahat forms labor council, the first in the Negev; Commission of Inquiry completes hearing of testimony, allowing Sharon to submit written answers instead of appearing for questioning; Moshe Reich, Israeli builder on West Bank, acquitted of blackmail, assault and threatened assault based on charges by Palestinians that he tried to force them to sell land; Jenin military governor warns Attorney Zuhair Jarrar not to complain to press about December 29 cut off of his electricity and water ordered by Israeli-appointed mayor Shihab Sanouri; Theodore Mann, chair of National Conference on Soviet Jews, announces 2,600 exit visas issued in 1982; PM Begin meets with relatives of Israeli prisoners, promises them no withdrawl of IDF from Lebanon until release of prisoners; Jerusalem police report series of raids on Jerusalem bookstores, seizing Palestinian flags, cassettes, T-shirts and other pro-PLO material.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Rashid Karami appeals to Syria to send envoy to stop fighting in Tripoli.

Arab Governments: Saudi Arabia says British Foreign Secretary Pym not welcome to visit after Thatcher government refuses PLO representative in Arab League delegation; Iraq announces that Saddam Hussein told Congressman Stephen Solarz (D-NY) on August 25, he accepts Israelis' need for security.