The Palestine Chronology

Prime Min. Shamir indicates he will head Israeli delegation to the peace conference, not FM David Levy. Invitations sent to the parties by the U.S., USSR had called for talks at the "ministerial level," a diplomatic phrase usually interpreted to mean participation by officials holding rank of foreign minister or below. (NYT 10/24)

Arab foreign ministers representing Syria, Egypt, Jordan, along with representative of Lebanon's foreign ministry and head of PLO political department meet in Damascus to discuss strategies for peace conference. They were later joined by foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, representing the Gulf states, and Morocco, representing North African states (except Libya). (MEM 10/23)

Strike called for 10/22 by three groups in o.t. partially observed in E. Jerusalem, elsewhere in West Bank, but not in Nablus, Jenin. Residents of Gaza city observe strike, but not those in the refugee camps. (MEM 10/25)

Members of the Jewish Ateret Cohanim seminary move into a house in the Muslim quarter of E. Jerusalem. Group claims the house was owned by Jews driven out by Palestinian rioting in 1929. Settlers occupying a building in Silwan seized 10/9 from Palestinian residents petition Israeli high court of justice to allow them to remain. Group also seeks permission to move into four other buildings from which they had been evicted by police. (MEM 10/24)

European Community official announces EC, Israel have reached agreement over long-standing dispute over status, place of residence of EC official who will be sent to monitor EC economic aid to Palestinians in the o.t. EC had sough to post the official in the territories; Israel objected, seeking to place the representativen Tel Aviv instead. The EC has set aside $100 million in aid for Palestinians in the o.t. (MEM 10/24)

Human rights organization Middle East Watch issues report on condition of 18,000-20,000 stateless Palestinians in Kuwait. The Palestinians, who were either born in Gaza during the British Mandate, during the period of Egyptian administration of Gaza (1948-67), or who are descendants of those born there, have lived in Kuwait for decades but do not hold citizenship in any country. They do not carry Israeli Gaza identity cards but merely hold Egyptian travel documents, and are thus unable to legally live anywhere. According to the report, Kuwait intends to expel these persons to Iraq 11/15. (MEM 20/24)

Four Israeli F-15 fighter planes fly on a reconnaissance mission over western Iraq. Iraqi officials claim the planes entered from Syrian airspace and left over Saudi airspace. U.S. strongly protested the action. One U.S. official claimed the planes traveled over Jordan, not Syria and Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials claim U.S. is not providing enough information on Iraqi missile sites in Iraq, that Israel must gather such information itself. (NYT, WP 10/9; WP 10/10)

Israeli newspaper Qol Ha'ir reports Sharon and the militant religious Ateret Cohanim movement have prepared a plan to establish 26 "settlement points" within Palestinian neighborhoods in the Jerusalem area, including 200 housing units in Silwan on eastern outskirts of East Jerusalem (HaAretz 10/4 in FBIS 10/4)

Settlers from Golan present PM Shamir a five-year plan for increased Israeli settlement on the Golan Heights. The plans call for expenditures of $200 million in roads, infrastructure, and for increasing number of settlers from present figure of 11,500 to 40,000 within four years. Shamir accepts plan by noting there was "no shadow of doubt" about Israel's future control of Golan. (MEM 10/4)

Israeli newspaper HaAretz reports that Israel, Germany have failed to reach an understanding over Israel's request for DM10 billion in credito assist settling Jewish immigrants. Among other reasons, Israel's request was based upon the fact that the former East Germany never paid reparations to Israel as did West Germany [see 8/28]. (HaAretz 10/4 in FBIS 10/8)

Arab League ministerial meeting opens in Cairo; in unopposed election, Arab League chooses Egyptian F.M. Esmat Abdel Meguid as its Sec.-Gen. for the next 5 years [MEM 5/15; WP, NYT 5/16; CDS, RMC, MENA 5/15 in FBIS 5/16].

Meeting in Israel, Sec. Baker and P.M. Shamir draw up confidential document that acknowledges the obstacles to holding regional peace conference, but points toward fresh attempt to start Israeli-Palestinian talks [WP, LAT 5/16]. But Israel rejects Sec. Baker's proposals for bridging differences with Syria [MEM 5/15; NYT 5/16].

U.S. diplomatic and intelligence sources say that roughly 10 days ago, Israel told American military attaches in Tel Aviv that Israeli military action in southern Lebanon was possible; warning is seen as message to Lebanon and Syria not to take action against Israel-backed SLA [WP 5/16].

34-member team of international specialists arrive in Baghdad for week of on-site inspections of Iraq's nuclear facilities to ensure compliance with UN resolutions prohibiting Iraqi possession of weapons of mass destruction [MEM 5/15; WP, NYT, LAT 5/16].

Palestinians who met with Sec. Baker say that he told them American initiative did not envision eventual creation of Palestinian state: "Less than a state, more than autonomy," is how one participant put it [NYT, MEM 5/16].

On conclusion of 5-day meeting in Tunis Fateh Revolutionary Council calls for meeting of Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and PLO to coordinate stands on Middle East issues [MENA 5/15, DUS 5/16 in FBIS 5/16].

After talks with Sec. Baker, King Hussein avoids making public commitment on whether Jordan would attend proposed peace conference if Syria does attend [MEM 5/14; WP, NYT, LAT 5/15]. Baker crosses from Jordan to o.t., and holds meeting with 3 Palestinians, including Faisal Husseini [AVP, RMC 5/15 in FBIS 5/16].

Congress pressures Pres. Bush to seek international curbs on arns sales by introducing bipartisan joint legislation proposing to ban all arms sales to Middle East if Bush admin. fails to make "good faith" effort to get international accord on arms sales [WP 5/15].

UN Sec. Council and other UN representatives say they are studying formulas under which Iraq could begin paying for damages assessed to it during Gulf war; focus is on using 25% to 30% of Iraq's oil revenues for payment [WP, NYT 5/15].

F.M. Bessmertnykh meets in Damascus with Syrian leaders, then flies to Geneva for talks with Yasir Arafat [WP 5/15; AVP 5/15 in FBIS 5/16].

Saudi Arabia and other 5 member states of GCC agree to send observer to opening session of any Middle East peace conference that Sec. Baker is trying to organize (cf. 5/11) [WP 5/11; MEM 5/13; KUNA 5/11 in FBIS 5/13].

F.M. Bessmertnykh becomes highest ranking Soviet official ever to visit Israel; no progress reportedly made in talks on overcoming obstacles to Middle East peace conference. Israeli officials express concern over Bessmertnykh's 5/9 remarks in Jordan [WP, NYT, LAT 5/11; JDS, IDF 5/10 in FBIS 5/10; MEM 5/13].

U.S. calls on Iraq to reconsider its 5/9 rejection of proposal to allow UN troops to protect Kurds in northern Iraq, allowing early withdrawal of American and allied troops from the area [WP, NYT, LAT 5/11].

UN announces the formal withdrawal of all allied military forces from southern Iraq and the establishment of a demilitarized zone inside the 6-mile buffer space separating Iraq and Kuwait [WP 5/11].

In rare move, Israeli Army cancels order to demolish house of Palestinian who was dead at the time the military decided to punish him [NYT 5/11].

UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar tells Pres. Bush that he has received from Iraq "a very clear rejection" of the allied plan for UN troops to protect Kurdish refugee camps once allies leave; Iraqi troops move into Dahuk in effort to prevent allies from expanding security zones further (cf. 5/10) [WP, NYT 5/10].

Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh declares while visiting Jordan that new Middle East peace process could not begin unless Israel halt construction of Jewish settlements in o.t.; adds that Moscow will not rule out limiting emigration of Soviet Jews as way of halting settlements [WP, MEM 5/10; ADS 5/9 in FBIS 5/10].

Returning to U.S. after meeting with King Fahd, Sec. Cheney says he has made "significant progress" towards new U.S.-Arab military agreements in Gulf region [WP, MEM 5/10; RIDS 5/9 in FBIS 5/9]. Cheney reports he reached general understanding with Saudi and other Gulf gov'ts. about storing equipment and other steps to maintain American military presence in region [NYT 5/10]

At joint news conference in Damascus, Sec. Baker says his latest diplomatic mission has failed to bridge major differences between Israel and Syria over how to organize peace conference. Baker sharply criticizes Israel's 4/23 opening of new settlement [NYT, WP, CSM 4/25; DDS 4/24 in FBIS 4/25; MET 5/7].

Iraqi and Kurdish leaders say they have reached broad new agreement that will allow Kurds to return home. Jalal Talabani, leader of one of largest Kurdish groups, says agreement provides for new measure of autonomy for Kurdistan, and guarantees of democracy and pluralism [NYT, WP, LAT, MEM, WT 4/25; CSM 4/26; INA, RMC, AFP 4/24, ADS 4/25 in FBIS 4/25; MET 5/7].

Saudi Arabia says it will accept and shelter all Iraqi refugees in southern Iraq, and will build camp to accommodate as many as 50,000 people [NYT 4/25].

U.S. symbolically hands over American control of part of southern Iraq to UN forces; imminent departure of American troops is raising fears among refugees that UN troops will not defend them from Saddam's army [NYT, WP, LAT 4/25].

Kuwaiti official says new gov't.'s 1st act will be to downgrade relations with Algeria, Yemen, Jordan, and Sudan, which backed Iraq in Gulf war [LAT 4/25].

Knesset members from Labor, Citizens' Right Movement, and Mapam head Israeli delegation that leaves for Spain and international conference: "The Dialogue of Mediterranean Citizens." Palestinians from o.t. and PLO representatives are also attending [MEM 4/24].

U.S. ambassador to Israel William Brown files an official protest with Israeli gov't. about establishment and/or expansion of settlements in West Bank; Housing Min. Sharon says that Israel has no intention of meeting U.S. demands to slow or stop settlement: "... we built in the past, we build now, and we will build in the future" [MEM 4/25].

21-year-old Palestinian is shot dead in Rafah by IDF after he disobeys order to halt [MEM 4/25; FJ 4/29]. 

Sec. Baker meets with Palestinians in Jerusalem, makes no comment afterward. Faisal Husseini says that meeting was most constructive of the 3 held so far. Baker flies to Jordan for meeting with King Hussein (lst since Gulf war), who endorses Baker's peace mission; then Baker flies to Cairo. Israeli officials criticize what they call "subtle pressure" on Jerusalem to offer concessions; Baker and other American officials admit that Saudi Arabia is not likely to attend peace conference with Israel [NYT, WP 4/21; JDS, IDF, AGS, MENA, ADS 4/20 in FBIS 4/22; FJ 4/22; JPI 5/4].

Battalion of U.S. Marines lands in northern Iraq to begin erecting 1st refugee camp in what is to be allied-protected zone inside Iraq [NYT, WP 4/21; CSM 4/22].

Under pressure to form more democratic gov't., Kuwait announces new cabinet with 4 of 9 members of Sabah family retaining major posts [NYT 4/21; MEM 4/22; KUNA 4/20 in FBIS 4/22].

Opposition groups say naming cabinet is insufficient, that it fails to move country toward democracy [WP 4/21; MEM 4/22].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Yemen for meetings with Pres. Salih [AES 4/20, SDS 4/21 in FBIS 4/22].

Meeting with Israeli leaders, Sec. Baker says Israel should consider series of fundamental compromises with Arabs if there is to be a peace conference; Baker gives P.M. Shamir list of possible concessions [NYT, LAT 4/20; IDF 4/19 in FBIS 4/19; MET 4/30].

Palestinian leaders hold news conference in Ramallah on questions of who will participate in talks with Sec. Baker [JTN 4/19 in FBIS 4/22].

Iraq makes public contents of 4/18 report given to UN: Baghdad says substantial arsenal of its chemical and ballistic weapons survived Gulf war, including 11,131 chemical warheads; Iraq also denies having nuclear arms, nuclear weapons-grade materials, or biological arns; U.S. says Iraq's inventory is incorrect [NYT, LAT 4/20; MET 4/30].

Blockade imposed on o.t. because of Sec. Baker's visit to Israel is lifted, allowing Palestinians to return to jobs over green line [JDS 4/19 in FBIS 4/19].

Lebanese media publishes results of public opinion poll conducted by Jerusalem's Arab Research Center: 55.34% of Palestinians now support confederation with Jordan, as opposed to 9.82% before Gulf war; 45.62% predict that PLO candidates would win majority of votes if elections were held in o.t. [MEM 4/19]. 

U.S. military sends troops and helicopters into northern Iraq to secure large sites for refugee camps; camps are to be built near Kurdish cities and as deep as 60 miles inside Iraq as part of effort to lure refugees home. Sec. Baker defends plan at EC meeting in Luxembourg [NYT, WP, LAT, MEM 4/18; MET 4/30].

Suspicious of U.S. motives, Iran refuses to comment on U.S. camp-building operation [WP, LAT 4/18].

At Luxembourg meeting, EC foreign ministers tell Sec. Baker that Europe wants role in any Middle East peace conference [WP, LAT 4/18; CSM 4/19].

Iraq says it has promised to return to Kuwait more than $1 billion in gold bars, bank notes, and silver coins taken during occupation [LAT 4/18].

Palestinian leaders from o.t. submit to U.S. consul in Jerusalem a list of 11 questions, the American answers to which would help Palestinians decide whether to accept invitation to meet with Sec. Baker on 4/20 [MEM 4/18].

Two armed guerrillas cross into Israel from Jordan, shoot 4 farmers in border kibbutz, killing 1, wounding 3 [NYT, WP, LAT 4/18; MET 4/30].

Arab trying to swim from Egypt to Israel is shot dead by IDF in Rafah [JDS 4/17 in FBIS 4/18]. 

In rare public showing, 43 Saudi businessmen and intellectuals publish in Cairo daily an open letter to King Fahd calling on him to establish national and municipal consultative councils and to curb the power of the mutaween, the Islamic religious police [WP 4/16].

In nationwide address, King Fahd renews limited pledge of political reform, announcing "notable progress" in establishing consultative assembly [LAT 4/17; SPA 4/15 in FBIS 4/16].

King also promises to expand the country's armed forces and equip them with world's best weapons [MEM 4/16; CSM 4/18].

Kuwaiti soldiers take up positions along demilitarized zone as U.S. troops continue to leave area [WP 4/16].

Most U.S. troops move quickly out of southern Iraq [LAT 4/16].

In southern Lebanon, SIA troops kill 2 Arabs just west of Israel's "security zone"; it is 2d such killing in 2 days [JDS, AFP 4/15 in FBIS 4/15; MET 4/23].

Arab crosses border from Jordan into Israel, fires on Israeli patrol and is shot dead by IDF; 1 Israeli soldier is wounded [JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16].

Palestinian is shot dead by security guards after throwing stone at Israeli bus north of Jerusalem [MEM 4/15; JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Eight Jewish families move into mobile homes in West Bank, opening 1st new settlement, named Revava, to be established in o.t. under P.M. Shamir's current gov't. (cf. 4/16) [MEM, CSM 4/16; JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16; JPI 4/27].

Leftist Israelis stage demonstration at Revava, protesting its establishment [JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/17].

In Cairo, Arab League meeting opens with introductory speeches; all 21 nation-members attend; pro-Western nations, particularly Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, dismiss Iraq's justifications for occupying Kuwait and hint that they no longer regard PLO as sole representative of Palestinians [NYT, WP 3/31; MENA 3/20 in FBIS 4/1; CSM 4/1].

Palestinians in o.t. hold general strike to mark Land Day, but within Israel, Land Day strike is canceled for 1st time in years, underscoring political differences among Israel's 800,000 Arabs [NYT, WP 3/31; FJ 4/8; MET 4/9].

At news conference in Kuwait, GCC Sec.- Gen. announces member states have decided to cut financial aid to Jordan and PLO because of their Gulf war stands (cf. 4/1) [ADS 3/30 in FBIS 4/1; MET 4/9].

Palestinian military court in Sanaa sentences Hani Muhammad al-Hasan to death for the assassination of Abu Iyad on 16 January [MENA 3/30 in FBIS 4/2]. 

Yasir Arafat says that, faced with a drop of more than 80% in funding after Gulf war, PLO has been forced to close diplomatic missions, shut down newspapers, and lay off workers [LAT 3/20].

Rebuffing desperate plea from Kurdish rebels, White House sticks to its policy of nonintervention in Iraq's civil war [LAT 3/30].

Kurdish leaders say their forces are retreating from city of Kirkuk [NYT 3/30].

Kuwaiti gov't. announces plans to issue new identity cards to residents and to re-register its entire population in order to weed out illegal aliens and reduce number of foreigners [LAT 3/30].

Israeli troops shoot dead 3 Arabs who entered West Bank from Jordan; Israeli radio reports ages of Arabs as 30, 15, and 12, and says they were armed with a knife [NYT 3/30; JDS 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; MET 4/9].

For 2d time in 48 hours, U.S. fighter shoots down Iraqi warplane, this one over Kirkuk, Iraq. Bush admin. vows to continue to shoot down any military aircraft, and insists that it is not meddling in the uprising against Saddam Hussein [LAT, NYT, WP 3/23; MET 4/2].

Full Congress gives final approval of bill authorizing $42.6 billion in U.S. and allied payments toward cost of Gulf war, and passes $4.8-billion "dire emergency" bill that contains $650 million for Israel and $200 million for Turkey to defray war-related costs. Congress keeps provision cutting off aid to Jordan, but modifies it to allow resumption of aid if it is determined Jordan is aiding Middle East peace process. Bush admin. informs Congress that it intends to sell to Israel another Patriot missile unit for $350 million [WP, NYT, LAT 3/23].

Bush admin. is putting pressure on Japan to improve its relations with Israel, and, in particular, to end longstanding compliance by many Japanese companies with Arab boycott of trade with Israel [LAT 3/23].

UN Sec. Council's sanctions committee agrees to ease restrictions on food and other essential supplies for Iraq following 3/21 release of UN report warning of catastrophe in war-ravaged Iraq [LAT, NYT, WP 3/23; MET 4/2].

During tour of West Bank settlements, Housing Minister Ariel Sharon says construction of 13,000 housing units in o.t. has been approved for next 2 years. Plans contradict statements by P.M. Shamir who has told Bush admin. that gov't. has not approved such plans [LAT 3/23; JPI 3/30].

IDF says that 2 Arab guerrillas with automatic rifles crossing border from Jordan into northern Israel were shot dead by army patrol [LAT 3/23; JDS 3/22 in FBIS 3/22].

UN survey of civilian damage caused by allied bombardment of Iraq calls the results "near apocalyptic," and recommends an immediate end to embargo on food and other essential supplies [NYT 3/22].

Bush admin., moving to counter impression that it had scapegoated Ambassador to Iraq April Glaspie on Kuwait invasion, says it knew Iraqi transcript of Glaspie-Saddam meeting was inaccurate but did not wish to divert attention from coalition by correcting the record [NYT, WT 3/22].

U.S. military says thousands of Iraqi civilians have poured into villages and communities in Iraqi territory controlled by allied forces; many are refugees from civil unrest gripping much of Iraq [NYT 3/22]; heavy fighting occurs in northern Iraq [WP 3/22].

Speaker of the House Thomas Foley (D-Wash.) says he supports Pres. Bush's opposition to measure passed by Senate that cuts off aid to Jordan. White House threatens to veto bill unless aid provision is removed [NYT 3/22].

Palestinian paramedics says Palestinian and Iraqi torture victims are being kept in secret hospital wards accessible only to Kuwaiti doctors, and that at least 2 casualties were beaten while still in hospital's emergency room [WP 3/22].

In report to Congress, State Dep't. says Soviet Jewish emigrants are settling in o.t. at higher rate than Israeli gov't. claims; report adds Jewish population in o.t. is growing by as much as 10% annually [WP, WT 3/22].

Speaking on NBC television, King Hussein says that Jordan would not agree to substitute for PLO in any negotiations, but if PLO asked him to be part of joint delegation, he would consider doing so [MEM 4/3]. 

U.S. Air Force fighter shoots down 1 of 2 Iraqi fighter-bombers spotted above Tikrit, Iraq. Planes were flying in violation of temporary Gulf war cease-fire and in defiance of American warnings that Iraqi combat planes in the air would be fired upon [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/21; DUS 3/21 in FBIS 3/22; MET 4/2].

Appearing before Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. ambassador to Iraq April Glaspie says she warned Saddam Hussein that U.S. would come to defense of Arab allies in Gulf, and that Saddam "clearly" assured her that Iraq would not seize Kuwait [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/21].

Kuwaiti cabinet resigns in effort to defuse growing public anger at apparent gov't. paralysis and increasing demands for democracy [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 3/21; KUNA 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; MET 4/2].

In measure attached to Gulf war spending bill, Senate votes 92-8 to officially halt the $57.2 million in economic and military aid to Jordan this year in retaliation for Jordan's support of Iraq (cf. 3/21, 3/22) [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/21].

Iranian embassy officially opens in Amman as Iran and Jordan restore diplomatic relations, putting into effect agreement reached last January [JTE 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; MET 4/2].

Iraqi insurgents reportedly capture strategic Turkish-Iraqi border town of Zakho; Baghdad accuses some Iraqi journals of "transmitting lies" about the rebellion [LAT 3/16; MET 3/26].

Pentagon announces that 6 U.S. soldiers have died in helicopter crash in Iraq; 3 other soldiers are reported killed in accidents, bringing to 324 the total number of U.S. deaths since 2 August [NYT, LAT 3/16].

U.S. says investigation into allegations that Jordan smuggled arms or ammunition to Iraq during war has turned up no evidence to support the claim [NYT 3/16].

Israeli warplanes destroy 2 buildings serving as bases for Popular Struggle Front in eastern Lebanon; 7 injured in 5th Israeli raid this year in Lebanon [NYT 3/16; IDF, AFP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15; MET 3/26].

After meeting in Cairo with Pres. Mubarak, Sec. Baker arrives in Jerusalem and meets with F.M. Levy, Baker says he is pleased with initial Israeli responses to Pres. Bush's peace initiative; announces plans to meet with Palestinian leaders from o.t., but will ignore their insistence that they speak for the PLO [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/12; MENA 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; MENA, JDS 3/11, IDF 3/12 in FBIS 3/12; CSM 3/13; JPI 3/23].

Israeli troops shoot dead 6 heavily armed Arabs who had crossed border from Jordan; 3 Israeli soldiers are slightly wounded in the 2-hour gun battle [NYT 3/12; JDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; JPI 3/23].

U.S. military officials say Iraq will turn over the bodies of 14 allied soldiers killed in Gulf war; 24 U.S. soldiers remain missing in action [LAT, WP 3/12].

23 Iraqi opposition groups begin 3-day conference in Beirut to solidify their stand and offer alternative to Saddam Hussein's regime [LAT, CSM 3/12; BDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/12].

Allied air strikes have left Iraq's oil production capacity reduced by two-thirds, according to oil industry experts [LAT 3/12].

U.S. Commerce Dep't. makes public list of $500 million in advanced American goods, including lasers and computers, that were sold to Iraq with Washington's approval between 1985 and August 1990 [NYT 3/12].

Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, released from Israeli prison on 3/8, is indicted on charges of aiding an illegal Arab group by giving them the publicly listed telephone number of Reuters in Jerusalem [NYT 3/17].

Gulf Crisis Financial Coordination Group, 27 wealthy countries, meet in Luxembourg, pledge $834 million in new aid to nations hardest hit by Gulf war [WT 3/12].

Public opinion survey published in Israeli newspaper Yedi'ot Ahronot shows 49% of respondents find "territories for peace" principle acceptable; 49% say it is unacceptable [YA 3/11 in FBIS 3/19].

Meeting with Sec. Baker in Riyadh, representatives of the 8 Arab countries allied with U.S. in Gulf war give general endorsement to Pres. Bush's Middle East peace initiative; but press for concessions and flexibility from Israel [NYT, WP, LAT, CSM 3/11; KUNA 3/10 in FBIS 3/11].

On eve of Sec. Baker's visit to Israel, Palestinian fatally stabs 4 Israeli women at bus stop outside Jerusalem; police say assailant meant his action as "message" to Sec. Baker; Jewish bystanders throw stones at Palestinian cars and shout for revenge; Palestinians are barred from Jerusalem until further notice [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/11; IDF, JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; CSM 3/12; FJ 3/18; MET 3/19; JPI 3/23].

18-truck convoy of medicine, food, and water leaves Jordan for Iraq. Relief officials say they are "fighting against time to try to prevent another health catastrophe" as warming weather raises threat of cholera and typhoid [LAT 3/11; MET 3/19].

Jerusalem radio reports that Ariel Sharon has submitted to P.M. Shamir his resignation as chrmn. of Ministerial Committee on Aliyah, saying he could not operate without additional powers or Shamir's support (cf. 3/13) [JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11].

Internal report from Israel's Housing Ministry indicates more than 10,000 new housing units are to be located in o.t., despite previous pledges by gov't. to Bush admin. to place all homes in Israel [WP, LAT 3/11].

Yasir Abd Rabbo says PLO has authorized Palestinian figures in o.t. to meet with Sec. Baker during his visit to Israel [AFP, ADS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; AVP, TDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/12].

Israeli Inner Cabinet meets and reaffirms its adherence to its May 1989 peace plan; various ministers says Israel will not discuss Golan Heights [IDF, JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11]

Iraq accepts Pres. Bush's terms for meeting of military commanders to discuss full cease-fire, leading admin. officials to hope for quick release of POWs and end of Gulf war [BADS 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, LAT, WP 3/1].

Iraq's ambassador to the UN formally notifies Sec. Council that Iraq intends to comply with all 12 Sec. Council Gulf resolutions [INA 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; LAT, WP, CSM 3/1]; U.S. proposes draft resolution for permanent cease-fire, draft is accepted in principal by 4 other permanent members of Sec. Council [NYT, WP 3/1].

Prominent Kuwaiti opposition figure Hamid Yoaan is wounded in apparent assassination attempt in Kuwait City, raising fears that instability will continue until emir visibly assumes control [WP 3/1; MET 3/12].

U.S. Justice Dep't. indicts Iraqi gov't. officials and former executive of an Italian bank thought to have been used by Saddam Hussein to finance part of his weapons buildup [LAT 3/1].

Gulf war allied losses: 126 killed in combat, 79 of which were U.S. soldiers; 56 MIAs, including 35 Americans; 13 POWs, including 9 Americans. 213 Americans were wounded. Iraqi losses: U.S. military says allies destroyed or otherwise defeated 42 Iraqi divisions, leaving only 1 division intact; allies destroyed or captured more than 3,000 Iraqi tanks, 1,857 armored vehicles, and 2,140 artillery pieces. More than 80,000 POWs were taken; no counts are issued for Iraqi dead [NYT, LAT 3/1].

Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh praises liberation of Kuwait: "for the first time, the international community showed its unified will. . ."; adds that "time is ripe" for renewed efforts to solve Israeli-Palestinian conflict [LAT, NYT 3/1].

Other European countries welcome cease-fire; several Arab nations express relief, call for healing; Israel lifts state of emergency [NYT, LAT, WP 3/1; JPI 3/9; MET 3/12]; PLO Exec. Committee welcomes cease-fire and says war "has revealed the urgent need for a solution to all the region's problems" [MEM 3/1].

UAE Pres. Shaykh Zayid donates $500,000 to al-Maqassed hospital in E. Jerusalem [WAKH 2/28 in FBIS 2/28].

U.S. begins investigation into allegation that Jordan defied UN embargo and smuggled weapons into Iraq during Gulf war (cf. 3/15) [NYT 3/1].

Egyptian Armed Forces Central Command reports that to date 9 Egyptian soldiers have been killed and 74 have been wounded [CDS 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].

Israeli Treasury reports that Gulf war caused estimated $3.5 billion in economic losses to Israel [MAA 3/1 in FBIS 3/5].

EC says it is donating $700,000 as emergency humanitarian aid to buy water purification equipment for Iraq [MEM 2/28]. 

U.S. and Britain tell Moscow that they find Soviet's 2/18 cease-fire proposal unacceptable because it lacks tight timetable for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and does not compel Iraq to accept all UN Sec. Council resolutions on the crisis [NYT 2/21; CSM 2/22]; Washington urges Moscow to stiffen cease-fire conditions on Iraq [WP 2/21].

After month of often bitter negotiation, U.S. releases $400 million loan guarantee to Israel for housing for Soviet Jewish immigrants (cf. 2/21) [IDF 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; NYT, WP, WT, MEM 2/21].

Israeli authorities begin allowing 400 Palestinians per day to cross bridges from Jordan back to West Bank; "security concerns" had prompted Israel to reduce number allowed to cross river from 1,000 per day to 50 per day; at least 30 Palestinians lose their residency permits because of delay in crossing [JTE 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; MET 3/5].

Israeli air force planes bomb alleged PFLP base in Al Izzah village, about 40 miles east of Beirut; 5 people are reported injured [IDF, BDS, AFP 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; NYT 2/21; JPI 3/2; MET 3/5]. 

Iraq vows "severe revenge" for 2/13 bombing of what Baghdad calls residential shelter; places death toll at about 400; demonstrators throw red paint on abandoned U.S. embassy in Baghdad; "outrage" over bombing is reported in Jordan, other Arab nations that back Saddam [AVP, APS 2/14, DUS 2/15 in FBIS 2/15; MEM 2/14; LAT, NYT, WP, WT 2/15].

U.S. reports significant gains in destroying Iraqi tanks and combat vehicles, saying more than 1,300 tanks have been destroyed; carrier USS America moves into Gulf in preparation for possible Marine amphibious landing [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 2/15].

UN Sec. Council, holding formal session behind closed doors for 1st time in 15 years, begins major debate over scope of Gulf war [WP, LAT 2/15].

Marking 9th anniversary of Israeli annexation of Golan Heights, hundreds of Syrians come to Ain Tine and shout with bullhorns greetings and words of encouragement to friends and family in Majdal Shams, now controlled by Israel [NYT 2/15].

In 1st collective statement of Gulf war since hostilities began, leaders of more than 20 major Protestant and Orthodox Christian denominations, join with 15 Roman Catholic bishops, and many other denominations in reaffirming opposition to war and calling for cease-fire. Statement from 32 denominations is made public by National Council of Churches [MEM 2/14; NYT 2/15].

Soviet press is becoming increasingly critical of Gulf war, following Pres. Gorbachev's recent statements that war may be exceeding UN resolutions [NYT 2/15].

Cuba and Yemen circulate new peace plan at UN Sec. Council closed-door meeting calling for halt to allied bombing and UN commission to study possible solutions to crisis [NYT 2/15].

Curfew is lifted in Gaza; 14 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with IDF troops, who fire live ammunition and tear gas into crowds [HAD 2/15 in FBIS 2/15].

Hundreds of Iraqi civilians, many of them women and children, are killed when 2 American bombs score precision hits on what Baghdad calls residential bomb shelter and U.S. calls Iraqi command-and-control bunker; U.S. says Saddam "kills civilians intentionally," and suggests that he allowed civilians to use shelter in hopes of shielding military bunker [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 2/14].

U.S. sources claim Iraq has major military communications center hidden in secret basement of one of main Baghdad hotels used by foreigners [NYT 2/14].

Jordan says about 60 Jordanians and Sudanese fleeing Gulf war were killed in recent days when allied planes attacked buses in which they were riding [NYT 2/14].

During visit to Damascus, German F.M. Hans-Dietrich Genscher says Syria has renewed its commitment to recognize Israel's right to exist as part of new Middle East order to be established after Gulf war; Syria also says it remains committed to Palestinian self-determination [NYT, WP 2/14]. 

UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar condemns allied bombing raids on highway from Baghdad to Jordanian border; calls Jordan "an innocent victim" of war [LAT 2/5].

In 1st policy address to Knesset on Gulf war, P.M. Shamir vows that Israel will never take part in an international conference on the Middle East, and denounces PLO as "the biggest supporters of the murderer from Baghdad" [IDF 2/4 in FBIS 2/5; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM, WT 2/5].

EC sends experts to Gulf to help contain oil slick; France's new D.M. Pierre Joxe flies to Saudi Arabia; Soviet Communist party calls on Pres. Gorbachev to launch fresh diplomatic initiative to end war [LAT 2/5].

Pres. Rafsanjani of Iran offers to mediate Gulf war; Iraq has no comment, U.S. response is cool [MEM 2/4; NYT, WP 2/5].

PLO says that it will stop its rocket attacks against Israeli troops in S. Lebanon "security zone," and will use other means to assist Iraq in Gulf war [RFL 2/4, BVL 2/5 in FBIS 2/5; NYT, WP 2/5]

Allied forces, led by Saudi troops, try to liberate small Saudi border town of Khafji after 1st major Iraqi ground assault had captured the town; reports say 12 Marines, perhaps as many as 500 Iraqis are killed in the battle (cf. 1/31) [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/31].

Responding to questions about 1/29 joint U.S.-Soviet statement, U.S. officials say it was intended as gesture to keep Moscow's backing for coalition, and not a softening of previous demands for ending war. P.M. Shamir bitterly complains that he was not given advance notice of joint statement [NYT, LAT, WP 1/31].

U.S. commander Gen. Schwarzkopf tells reporters that 75% of Iraq's command, control, and communications facilities have been bombed, and that the Iraqi air force is no longer a viable military threat [LAT, WP 1/31].

Jordanian F.M. Taher Masri accuses U.S. of violating Geneva Convention by bombing civilian traffic near the Jordan-Iraq border, killing 4 Jordanians and 1 Egyptian; some refugees claim allies have deliberately targeted oil tankers, buses, and refugee convoys [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/31].

Jordanian officials say since 2 August, about 323,000 men and women have volunteered for Jordan's Popular Army; many have expressed desire to fight for Iraq [LAT 1/31].

As part of psychological war, U.S. has dropped at least 4 million leaflets on Iraqi troops, promising them safe passage if they wish to surrender [LAT 1/31].

Pres. Mubarak makes unannounced visit to Tripoli to meet with Libyan leader Qaddafi [LAT 1/31].

EC decides how to divide $685 million in loans and grants to Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan to help compensate for Gulf crisis losses: Egypt will receive $240 million grant; Jordan, a $205 million grant; and Turkey, an interest-free loan of $240 million. Individual EC states earlier gave the 3 nations $1.37 billion [NYT, LAT, WP 1/31].

Breaking long-standing official policy against shipping weapons to areas of tension, German gov't. announces $700-million military support package to Israel [LAT, WP 1/31; NYT 2/1]; Germany also offers Britain $535 million and military equipment for its role in Gulf war [WT 1/31; NYT 2/1].

Israel shells 2 villages in S. Lebanon's Biqqa Valley after rockets struck Israeli positions in "security zone"; no injuries are reported [LAT 1/31]; Israeli officials believe that PLO has begun operations against Israel on behalf of Iraq [WP 1/31]. 

Israeli officials warn that Iraqi missile attack could not stand without retaliation. Yet after telephone calls from Pres. Bush and Sec. Baker to P.M. Shamir, U.S. admin. says Israel will not retaliate for the time being. Saudi officials say Arab nations would face additional pressure if Israel entered fight, but probably would not desert coalition. More than 20 countries, including 13 in Europe, and UN Sec.-Gen. condemn Iraqi attack and urge Israeli restraint; USSR urges Israel and allied Arab nations to avoid turning war against Saddam into Arab-Israeli conflict [IDF, AFP, TET 1/18 in FBIS 1/81; NYT, LAT, WP 1/19; MEM 1/21; IDF 1/18 in FBIS 1/22].

Open elation in Jordan over missiles hitting Israel; some Tunisians, Syrians, and Lebanese also show support for Saddam's attack. PLO says attack represents "effective entry of Israel into the conflict" [MEM 1/18; LAT 1/19].

Allied warplanes mount hugh effort to destroy Iraq's remaining mobile SCUD missile launchers, partly in effort to keep Saddam Hussein from attacking Israel again. [NYT, LAT, WP 1/19; MEM 1/21].

U.S. Patriot anti-missile defense system destroys incoming Iraqi SCUD missile aimed at Saudi air base [NYT, LAT 1/19]; 2 SCUDs hit Tel Aviv [WP 1/19].

After 3d day of bombing, Baghdad is without electricity and telephone service, and is suffering severe shortage of water, according to Western media in Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP 1/19].

Jordan reopens its border with Iraq after 9 days, official says "we don't want anymore suffering" [JTE 1/19 in FBIS 1/22; LAT 1/19].

Officials say U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Ryan Crocker and his staff have flown to Cyprus, fearing anti-U.S. backlash in Beirut [LAT 1/19].

Jordanian lower house of parliament statement backs Iraq in Gulf war, brands U.S. as "Great Satan" [LAT 1/19].

Pres. Gorbachev sends letter to Saddam Hussein asking for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait (cf. 1/21) [BADS 1/21 in FBIS 1/22].

Commander of Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Avihu Bin-Nun, says U.S. and Israel still have no mechanisms in place to coordinate military activities, and that U.S. may not be able to give Israel advance warning of mis- sile launches [NYT 1/16]; Bin-Nun also warns Jordan that should Israel be drawn into war, there is no way for his planes to approach Iraq except through Jordanian airspace [LAT, WP 1/16].

PLO reports that Hamza Abu Said, a dissident from Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council, killed Abu lyad and two others; 3 Palestinians are killed and 30 wounded in clashes between IDF and Palestinians an- gered over assassinations; curfews are imposed to prevent further clashes; Israel says it had nothing to do with assassinations [AFP, JDS, IDF 1/15 in FBIS 1/15; NYT, WT, WP 1/16].

Saddam Hussein visits Iraqi troops in Kuwait [BADS 1/15 in FBIS 1/16; LAT 1/16].

Tens of thousands of anti-war protestors take to streets in Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as elsewhere [LAT, WT, WP 1/16].

In strongest appeal since crisis began, King Fahd urges Saddam to "prove to the world that you are worthy of the responsibility you are shouldering in ruling Iraq" and leave Kuwait [LAT 1/16]; Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar also issues statement making final appeal to Saddam to leave Kuwait [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/16].

Pres. Mubarak sends last-minute proposal to Saddam Hussein, also asks Pres. Bush to delay military option [RMC 1/15 in FBI 1/16; WP 1/16].

British House of Commons votes 534-57 to endorse gov't. policy of waging war against Iraq [WP 1/16]. 

6 1/2-hour Baker-Aziz talks in Geneva produce no results: Baker says he "heard nothing today that suggested to me any Iraqi flexibility," while Aziz says Baker's "language was diplomatic and polite . .. [b]ut the sub- stance was full of threats." Aziz says if attacked, Iraq will "absolutely" attack Israel; Aziz refuses to accept personal letter from Pres. Bush to Saddam Hussein, saying language used was not proper for world leaders. Iraqi embassy in Washington also refuses letter [INA 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; BADS, RMC, JTN 1/9, WAKH, MENA, BADS, DDS 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; MEM 1/9; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 1/10].

Israel increases its military readiness in light of Geneva meeting [JDS 1/9 in FBIS 1/9]; Israeli politicians are lobbying Washington to destroy Iraqi military machine in war, arguing that if it is not done now, it will have to be done at greater cost in a few years [WP 1/10].

French Pres. Mitterrand says he will pursue peace through independent diplomatic efforts until UN deadline expires [NYT 1/10].

Lebanese P.M. Karami says in policy statement that he promises to disarm and disband all armed militias in country; although not mentioned specifically, his statement is taken to include Palestinian groups operating in Lebanon [NYT 1/10]

Karami's gov't. wins vote of confidence by majority of 37 votes [RFL 1/9 in FBIS 1/10].

Jordan closes its border with Iraq, saying it could not cope with another large flow of refugees into the country [ADS, RMC 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; MEM 1/9; NYT, WP 1/10].

International Popular Islamic Conference begins in Baghdad (cf. 1/11) [BADS 1/9 in FBIS 1/9].

Maghreban Consultative Council, parliamentary body of Arab Maghreb Union, concludes 3-day session, adopting resolution expressing solidarity with Iraq and condemning U.S. forces in region [MEM 1/9; MAP, JANA 1/10 in FBIS 1/11]. 

Pres. Bush says that U.S. military action against Iraq would not necessarily begin immediately after 1/15, even if Iraqi troops had not left Kuwait; Bush meets with UN Sec.- Gen. Perez de Cuellar at Camp David [NYT, LAT, WP 1/6].

In an interview with French legislator, Saddam says he is prepared to make certain "sacrifices" in return for guarantees that Iraq will not be attacked [WP 1/8].

U.S. State Dep't. rebukes Israel for increasing its firepower in recent clashes with Palestinians and apparently abandoning moderation IDF showed last summer [NYT 1/6].

F.M.'s of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria meet in Riyadh for 2-day talks to review Gulf crisis [DDS 1/5, MENA, SPA 1/6 in FBIS 1/7; WP 1/7].

Guido de Marco, Pres. of UN Gen. Assembly, arrives in Amman after visit to o.t.; calls for swift action to convene international conference on Middle East peace, says that worsening tension in o.t. is unacceptable [ADS 1/5 in FBIS 1/7]. 

Israeli helicopters shell "resistance" targets in Biqqa Valley in S. Lebanon [BDS 1/5 in FBIS 1/7]; Israel denies incident [WP 1/6].

IDF shoots dead infiltrator; Israeli officer is wounded in clash after man is spotted crossing border from Jordan into Israel [MEM 1/7].

NATO announces that Germany, Belgium, and Italy will send 42 jet fighters with at least 470 support personnel to Turkey to reinforce that nation's border with Iraq [WP, LAT, NYT 1/3].

After meeting with Saddam Hussein, Yasir Arafat indicates in interview that neither he nor Saddam is insisting that Israel withdraw from o.t. as requirement for Iraq to leave Kuwait [BADS 1/2 in FBIS 1/3; NYT 1/3].

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) releases letter signed by 127 law professors insisting Pres. Bush has constitutional obligation to "obtain prior express congressional authorization" before ordering U.S. troops into war in the Gulf [WP 1/3].

IDF troops shoot dead 30-year-old Palestinian, wound at least 16 others in Gaza clashes arising after curfew is lifted there [MEM 1/2; LAT 1/3].

Kuwaiti embassy in Washington reports about 500 Kuwaiti nationals in U.S. are being drafted by Kuwait's gov't.-in-exile for training as translators to be assigned with U.S. military units in the Gulf [LAT 1/3].

Foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria, and Libya meet in Cairo to discuss Gulf crisis [MENA 1/2 in FBIS 1/2, 1/3; WT 1/3].

Jordan's King Hussein arrives in London for talks with British PM John Major [MEM 1/2; WT 1/3].

Arab League ass't. sec.-gen., Salah al-Mukhtar, resigns in protest of League's move to Cairo; he is replaced by Egyptian Ahamd 'Adil [INA, MENA 1/2 in FBIS 1/3].

Maj. Gen. Antoine Lahad, commander of Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army, reaffirms SLA independence of newly strengthened gov't. of Elias Hrawi until gov't. shows it is free of Syrian control [LAT 1/3].