The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 150,000 members of Israel's Clerks Union begin week-long strike for higher wages [CSM 9/21; JPI 9/26]. Jewish settlers, with protection of soldiers and police, occupy 18 rooms in Jerusalem house leased by Walid Zurba. Settlers claim to have bought the house [FJ 9/27]. W. Bank waqf leaders meet in Jerusalem, decide to boycott anyone who sells, rents, evacuates, or permits other buildings on his property [FJ 9/27]. Board of trustees decides to close al-Najah University until 10/24 [FJ 9/27]. Curfew is imposed on Dahayshah refugee camp after stoning incidents [FJ 9/27].

Arab World: Representatives of all Palestinian factions meet with Amal representative in Tyre to discuss conditions in Rashidiyyahnd Buss refugee camps [FJ 9/27]. Sharif al-Din Birzadah, secretary general of Organization of Islamic Conference, expresses dismay at U.S. decision to close PIO [FJ 9/27]. Al-Husayn Brigade (Lebanon) threatens to attack U.S. and U.S. embassies unless Fawwaz Yunis, Lebanese Shi'i captured by FBI, is released [CSM 9/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldiers shoot 2 Palestinians at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem after quarrel [FJ 9/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli zoning inspectors order destruction of 2 houses in Dahayshah camp. Palestinians consider the action a "dangerous precedent" since zoning officials have no authority in refugee camps [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Egyptian Pres. Mubarak and Syrian Pres. al-Asad hold meetings at Islamic Summit in Kuwait [BG 1/28]. Kuwaiti news agency reports Terry Waite is under house arrest in Lebanon [GU 2/2; FJ 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops surround al-Najah University while students on campus celebrate Fateh Day [FJ 1/30; NYT 1/28].

Arab World: 'Ali Abu Tawq, Fateh's "political and military coordinator in Beirut," is killed in shelling at Shatila camp [FJ 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Muhammad Shakir Dahlan is expelled to Jordan, setting off protests throughout the Gaza Strip [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Fifth Islamic Summit opens in Kuwait. PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat meets with Jordan's King Hussein [LAT 1/27; FJ 1/30]. Kuwait officials say they would deny any request to release 17 convicted hostages in exchange for hostages held in Lebanon [LAT 1/27]. Anglican Church officials say Terry Waite's negotiations are continuing [WP 1/27].

Other Countries: U.S. FBI agents in Los Angeles arrest 8 Jordanians and one Kenyan, charging them with membership in PFLP [NYT 1/29; FJ 1/30]. U.S. Pres. Reagan testifies before Tower Commission that he has no memory of giving prior approval for Israeli sale of arms to Iran in 1985 [WP 1/27]. W. German officials in Frankfurt arrest 'Abbas 'Ali Hamadi, brother of Muhammad Hamadi who has been held since 1/13 [NYT 1/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army recruits, firing at Balatta refugee camp youths to "scare away" stone throwers, wound a Palestinian inside the camp [F 1/30].