The Palestine Chronology

Dozens of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to launch fireworks at IDF troops on the other side of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Amid the demonstrations, unidentified Palestinians attempt to fire a mortar into southern Israel. It lands short of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to swim from Gaza to Israel. They also open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers break into a Palestinian high school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; several Palestinian minors are lightly injured. Separately, settlers smash the windshields of a number of Palestinian vehicles in Huwwara village near Nablus; assault a Palestinian journalist and a Palestinian activist in central Hebron (no serious injuries are reported). IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/10; JP, MNA, MNA 2/11; PCHR 2/14)

PA minister for civilian affairs Hussein al-Sheikh says that the Trump administration has asked U.S. and international banks to stop working with the PA in an effort to pressure the Palestinian leadership into accepting their long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. “Major international financial institutions and parties have begun to accede to an American request to impose a tight financial siege on the [PA],” he says. “The sanctions began with preventing the transfer of an Iraqi grant worth $10 million, which was handed over to the Arab League recently. The League has not been able to transfer it because all banks have refused to accept it for transfer to the [PA’s] finance ministry or the national fund.” (AFP, TOI 2/11)

Haaretz reports that Israeli government officials have informed the Jerusalem District Court of their intention to invoke a legal justification approved by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in 12/2018 to retroactively authorize several settlement housing units build on Palestinian land near the Ariel settlement. Mandelblit’s justification allowed for such retroactive authorizations if the initial allocation of Palestinian land was done in “good faith.” (HA 2/10)

U.S. representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), one of the first members of the U.S. Congress to openly support the BDS movement, sends a tweet in response to a story about Israeli influence in U.S. politics: “It’s all about the Benjamins baby.” Her tweet draws criticism and allegations of anti-Semitism from many Democrats and Republicans. (NYT, WP 2/11)

After Palestinians fire rockets fr. Gaza into Israel (causing no damage or injuries), the IDF launches Operation Southern Arrow (as warned on 3/30), making air strikes on a PA security compound (wounding 2 Palestinians; see 3/30) and Abbas’s helicopter pad in Gaza City, firing at least 30 shells at residential areas nr. the n. Gaza no-go zone (hitting 2 houses, killing 1 Palestinian and wounding at least 5), flying mock air raids over Gaza (repeatedly breaking the sound barrier), reducing the distance that artillery fire may be targeted nr. Palestinian homes fr. 300 m to 100 m. The IDF also recloses the Qarni commercial crossing; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Bethlehem, Dura, Nablus. (WP 4/5; VOP 4/5 in WNC 4/6; PCHR 4/6; HA 5/14)

According to the biography of fmr. Mossad chief Efraim Halevy, released today in Britain, just before Israel’s 1997 attempted assassination of Hamas political leader Khalid Mishal in Amman, King Hussein transmitted a message offering a 30-yr. cease-fire fr. Hamas to then Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu via a local Mossad rep. The message did not reach Netanyahu until after the hit was made. (JAZ 4/4)

Arafat appoints PC comm. to study file of each political prisoner held in PA jails, recommend which prisoners should be released. (MEI 2/26)

Labor holds party primaries. By common consent, Barak is given slot for PM candidate, fmr. PM Shimon Peres is given 2d slot. Top vote getters are Shlomo Ben-Ami, a Sephardim; Yossi Beilin, an architect of the Oslo agreements; fmr. Dep. Cheif of Staff Matan Vilnai, and Avraham Burg, chmn. of the Jewish Agency. (MM, WT 2/16)

Belgium, Israel, the PA sign accord on trilateral health sector project under which Israeli professionals will train Palestinian professionals in applied epidemiology. (La Libre Belgique 2/16 in WNC 2/18)

DFLP leader Hawatmah is thrown out of the Damascus-based coalition of Palestinian rejectionist groups for shaking hands with Israeli pres. Weizman at King Hussein's funeral 2/8. (NYT, WP 2/16)

In Nablus 3,500 Fatah supporters hold rally to mark Fatah's 24th anniversary. (AFP [Internet] 2/15)

IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes under construction in nr. Nablus, bring to 21 the number of homes demolished since the Wye agmt. was signed 10/23. (MEI 2/26)

2 Lebanese civilians are wounded by IDF shelling in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/16 in WNC 2/17)

Arafat appoints PC comm. to study file of each political prisoner held in PA jails, recommend which prisoners should be released. (MEI 2/26)

Labor holds party primaries. By common consent, Barak is given slot for PM candidate, fmr. PM Shimon Peres is given 2d slot. Top vote getters are Shlomo Ben-Ami, a Sephardim; Yossi Beilin, an architect of the Oslo agreements; fmr. Dep. Cheif of Staff Matan Vilnai, and Avraham Burg, chmn. of the Jewish Agency. (MM, WT 2/16)

Belgium, Israel, the PA sign accord on trilateral health sector project under which Israeli professionals will train Palestinian professionals in applied epidemiology. (La Libre Belgique 2/16 in WNC 2/18)

DFLP leader Hawatmah is thrown out of the Damascus-based coalition of Palestinian rejectionist groups for shaking hands with Israeli pres. Weizman at King Hussein's funeral 2/8. (NYT, WP 2/16)

In Nablus 3,500 Fatah supporters hold rally to mark Fatah's 24th anniversary. (AFP [Internet] 2/15)

IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes under construction in nr. Nablus, bring to 21 the number of homes demolished since the Wye agmt. was signed 10/23. (MEI 2/26)

2 Lebanese civilians are wounded by IDF shelling in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/16 in WNC 2/17)

In New York, PM Netanyahu meets with UN Secy. Gen. Annan, restates plans to withdraw fr. s. Lebanon but gives no time frame. (NYT, WP, WT 5/16)

Jordanian PM Anani arrives in Cairo to give FM Musa a message fr. King Hussein to Pres. Mubarak regarding their next steps in the peace process. (VOA 5/13 in WNC 5/14) (al-Ahram 5/14 in WNC 5/15)

In Geneva, UN Committee Against Torture convenes to discuss Israel's use of torture against Palestinian detainees. (Human Rights Watch press release 5/15)

Responding to the 5/14 violence, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mary Robinson calls on Israel to respect the Palestinians' right of peaceful assembly, avoid excessive use of military force. (WP, WT 5/16)

Reacting to 5/14 clashes, Palestinians leaving Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque throw stones fr. the mosque compound at Jews at the Wailing Wall below, causing no injures. In Hebron, IDF troops open fire on stone-throwing Palestinians along the dividing line btwn. PA, Jewish sectors, wounding an Israeli newspaper photographer. Similar clashes occur in Nablus. In Gaza, 100s of Palestinians attend funeral for nurse killed 5/14 while trying to evacuate the injured. In the Galilee, Israeli Arabs hold peaceful march to mark al-Nakba (see 4/14). (MM 5/15; ITV 5/15 in WNC 5/18; NYT, WP, WT 5/16)

Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon observe general strike to commemorate al-Nakba. (RL 5/15 in WNC 5/18)

In Cairo, 800 Egyptians hold rally at al-Azhar Mosque to mark 50th anniversary of al-Nakba, protest Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. (AFP, MENA 5/15 in WNC 5/18)

Israel's Cabinet Secy. Dani Nave visits Pollard to inform him of Netanyahu's 5/11 decision to recognize him as an Israeli agent. (ITV 5/15 in WNC 5/18; WP 5/17)

U.S. secy. of state Albright meets with King Hussein, speaks twice by phone with Arafat. Later, the king meets with Defense Secy. Cohen. (AFP, RJ 4/2 in WNC 4/4; WT 4/3)

At the UN, fmr. Secy. of State James Baker III criticizes the U.S. for vetoing recent UNSC resolutions on Israeli settlements, especially after having publicly criticized Israeli settlement decisions; says the vetoes send a mixed signal, Israel's Har Homa construction makes "a mockery of Resolutions 242 and 338." (WP, WT 4/3)

Israeli government acknowledges that DM Mordechai recently approved construction of 1,000s of housing units in West Bank settlements. (ITV 4/2 in WNC 4/3; NYT, WP, WT 4/3; JP 4/12)

Nr. Nablus, 2 settlers, who claim to have been attacked by Palestinian stone throwers, kidnap a disabled Palestinian youth, beat him, take him to their settlement. IDF soldiers at nearby checkpoint, informed by Palestinian witnesses, enter the settlement, free the youth, arrest the settlers. (PR 4/11)

Israel prevents 20 Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. fr. leaving Gaza to preform the haj although they had already obtained Israeli permission to do so. (al-Ayyam 44 in WNC 4/7)

Nr. Jalazun r.c. in the West Bank, an unidentified assailant throws a firebomb at an IDF truck, injuring 13 soldiers; IDF puts a curfew on Jalazun. In a nearby village, Israeli motorists beat a Palestinian they accuse of stoning their car, dump him at an army camp. (NYT, WP, WT 4/3)

Islamic Jihad leader Shaykh `Abbullah al-Shami denies Islamic Jihad was responsible for the 4/1 bombings in Gaza. Meanwhile, PA police detain 30 suspected Islamic Jihad mbrs. in connection with the explosions. 13 are released after questioning. (ITV 4/2 in WNC 4/7; CSM, NYT, WP 4/3; NYT 4/4)

Clashes btwn. the IDF, Palestinians intensify throughout the West Bank. In Surif, an IDF soldier allegedly rapes a Palestinian woman during a raid on a home; IDF admits that "indecent acts" took place, arrests the soldier. 1,000s of Palestinians in Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus, 100s in Janin demonstrate. The IDF deploys tanks around Bethlehem, Nablus; flies helicopter gunships over Nablus. PA police fire in the air, club, and shove protesters in Nablus, Hebron to prevent them fr. reaching Jewish sites. To date some 460 Palestinians have been injured (mostly by rubber bullets, tear gas) in West Bank clashes. (LAW, NYT, WP, WT 3/31; PR 4/4)

Jordan's King Hussein arrives in Washington for talks with Pres. Clinton, swears in Jordanian amb. to the U.S. Fayiz Tarawnah as his new FM. (WT 3/31)

The Knesset approves $53 m. for construction of public institutions in Golan Heights settlements; general planing and development in the Golan, Jordan Valley, Gaza coast. (Globes [Internet] 3/30 in WNC 4/1)

Saudi Arabia requests that suspect in al-Khobar bombing held in Canada be extradited to Saudi Arabia, not the U.S. (NYT, WP 3/31) (see 3/18)

After discussions with MKs, Netanyahu approves the construction of 6,500 housing units for 30,000 Israelis at Har Homa in East Jerusalem. (MM 2/19; CSM, MM, WP, WT 2/20; YA 2/20 in WNC 2/21; MM 2/21; MA 2/21 in WNC 2/24; MM 2/27) (see 2/18)

IDF demolishes 2 buildings nr. Nablus in area B, 1 of which belongs to the UNRWA. In recent mos. most homes demolished by the IDF have been in area C, the rest in area B. Almost 300 Palestinian homes have been demolished since the signing of the Declaration of Principles in 9/93. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 2/20 in WNC 2/24; PR 3/28)

Arafat makes 1-day visit to Anakara, Turkey; heads to Russia for 2-day official visit. (WT 2/20; WJW 2/27; MM 3/3)

Jordan's King Hussein's 2-day visit to Morocco, heads to Ireland for official visit. (RJ 2/19 in WNC 2/20; JTV, London Press Association 2/19 in WNC 2/21)

The FBI announces that David Tenenbaum, a mechanical engineer working for the army, has informed the Bureau that, for the past 10 yrs., he has "inadvertently" passed classified military information to Israeli officials. FBI, Defense Investigative Service say they are investigating, but have not filed charges. Israel denies any wrongdoing. (NYT, WT 2/20; ITV 2/20 in WNC 2/24; JP 3/1)

IDF arrests a Lebanese shepherd n. of the self-declared security zone, takes him and his flock to s. Lebanon. (RL 2/19 in WNC 2/20)

In Jerusalem, PA negotiator Erakat, Netanyahu adviser Molho exchange lists of negotiators on the 8 subcomms. that will continue talks on implementing issues outstanding fr. Oslo II. (ITV 1/28 in WNC 1/30; PR 1/31)

Arafat makes brief trip to Jordan to meet with King Hussein. (RJ 1/28 in WNC 1/29; JTV 1/28 in WNC 1/30)

Syrian VP Khaddam, FM Shara` arrive in the UAE for talks with Pres. Shaykh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nahayat. (MM 1/29, SATN 1/29 in WNC 1/30)

Belgium increases its 1997 allocation to the PA by $710,000 (to $9.29 m.) to fund a project to supply 380 villages around Nablus with electricity. (Libre Belgique 1/29 in WNC 1/31)

Lawyers for Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq say he is dropping his extradition fight in order to emphasize unjust, illegal Israeli and U.S. judicial practices. (MM 1/28; WP, WT 1/29; WP 1/30; AFP, RMC 1/30 in WNC 1/31; PR 1/31; CSM 2/4; WJW 2/6; MEI 2/7) (see 10/9/96)

IDF demolishes 4 Palestinian homes nr. Ramallah, in area C, for having no permits. (LAWE 2/13) (see 1/23)

Chief of the U.S. Central Command Gen. J.H. Binford Peay says that Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein has placed his 1st wife, Sajida Talfah, and 2 daughters under house arrest, because of disputes over the murder of Saddam's 2 sons-in-law (2/23/96). Saddam's son Uday may lose a leg, be paralyzed as a result of the 12/12 assassination attempt. 600 people, incl. 20 senior military officers, have been arrested in connection with the shooting. (WP 1/29; AFP 2/1 in WNC 2/4; WT 2/5; WP 2/10) (see 1/19)

In Bethlehem, 2-day Palestinian Council (PC) mtg. closes. (PBC, VOP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; PR 5/24)

Israeli television reports that the PA's Yasir Arafat suffered a minor stroke earlier in the wk., while in Cairo. PA says he collapsed fr. a severe case of the flu, exhaustion. (ITV 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; AFP 5/19 in FBIS 5/20; Rose al-Yusuf 5/20 in FBIS 5/30)

Israel asks the PA to extradite 4 Palestinians serving sentences in PA jails for attacks inside Israel. PA says that since the men have been tried, convicted, and are serving time for the crimes under PA custody, the PA has no legal obligation to turn them over to Israel. (QY 5/16)

IDF tightens closure on West Bank, Gaza. Only Palestinians working in the Erez industrial zone may go to their jobs. Goods, produce may go through Qarni, Sufa crossing points. 50 Palestinian reporters will be allowed in to cover the run-up to the 5/29 Israeli elections. (QY 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; MEI 5/24) (see 5/13)

IDF declares Ramallah a closed military zone for Arafat's visit, meaning no Israeli traffic may enter the city. An identical closed military zone order for Nablus is lifted (see 5/15). (IDF Radio 5/16 in FBIS 5/17)

In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. end a wk. of talks on the Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire monitoring group; agree on draft for monitoring procedures, send it to their respective capitals for approval. (MM 5/16; RL, RMC, SARR 5/16, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; MM 5/17; WP 5/18; VOL 5/17, RL 5/19 in FBIS 5/20; MEI 5/24) (see 5/15)

In Ankara, Jordanian King Hussein, Turkish Pres. Suleyman Demirel hold 1-day mtg. on bilateral issues, incl. water, Iraq. Demirel assures king that Turkey's military cooperation agmt. with Israel does not harm Jordan's security. King Hussein says talks are positive, sides agree on all issues. (al-Dustur, RJ 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; MM 5/17)

Israeli authorities release information on man involved in the 4/12 East Jerusalem hotel explosion. They say the man, Husayn Maqdad, is a Lebanese Hizballah operative who was plotting a plane hijacking; claim he spent time at the Iranian embassy in Beirut. Hizballah denies having contact with him. (MM 5/16; AFP, QY 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; IDF Radio 5/16, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; PR 5/24; JP 5/25) (see 4/14)

In Nazareth, Israeli PM Shimon Peres meets with Israeli Arab voters to build their support, weakened by the closure of the territories and Israel's 4/96 assault on Lebanon. (NYT 5/18)

Israel launches its 1st commercial satellite, AMOS-I. (MM 5/16; JP 5/25)

Arafat appoints comm. to draw up Palestinian constitution.  (al-Quds 2/4 in FBIS 2/5)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Jerusalem on his 17th tour of the region and his 2d shuttle btwn. Syria, Israel this yr. to bridge gaps btwn. the pair following their latest round of talks. (QY, SARR, YA 2/4, SARR 2/5 in FBIS 2/5)

In Jordan, King Hussein replaces PM Bin Shakir with FM Kabariti, who is fully supportive of the king's normalization with Israel; reshuffles cabinet, excluding the Islamic Action Front. (JT, JTV, RJ 2/4 in FBIS 2/5; MM, WT 2/5; RJ 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; CSM 2/6)

1,000's of Islamic Jihad supporters attend funeral of 2 mbrs. killed by PA police 2/3, call for revenge against Arafat. (MM 2/5)

Nr. Nablus, Palestinian boy is shot on his way to school allegedly by IDF. (CSM, WP, WT 2/5)

Israeli naval forces detain 3 Lebanese fishermen off the coast of Tyre, s. Lebanon; stop, search ship arriving fr. Europe. (RL 2/4 in FBIS 2/6) (see 11/19)

Arafat issues presidential decree concerning the distribution of legislative council seats. One new seat is added to Nablus, allocated to the Samaritans, bringing total number of seats to 83. (PR 12/15; VOP 12/15 in FBIS 12/18; MM 1/2)

Arafat makes his 1st visit to Nablus since IDF troops withdrew 12/11. IDF prevents 500-mbr. Jordanian delegation fr. entering territories to attend festivities. (MM 12/15; JTV, VOP 12/15, JT, VOP 12/16 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, WT 12/16)

Due to delays in constructing bypass roads, IDF postpones completion of Bethlehem redeployment until 12/21. (VOP 12/15 in FBIS 12/18)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus; then meets with King Hussein in Aqaba, Arafat in Jericho, PM Peres in Jerusalem. (MM 12/15; SARR 12/15 in FBIS 12/15; NYT, WT 12/16; SARR 12/15, RJ 12/16 in FBIS 12/18)

Lebanon, UN sign agmt. regulating the status of UNIFIL with the Lebanese government. UNIFIL has been operating without such an agmt. since it was established more than 17 yrs. ago. (RL 12/16 in FBIS 12/18)

10's of Israeli rabbis issue rabbinical ruling forbidding transfer of parts of "Greater Israel." Justice M Liba'i criticizes rabbis for issuing decrees on political, not religious, matters. (MM 12/15)

Syrian VP Khaddam, Iranian FM Hassan Habibi convene 2-day Syrian-Iranian Joint Comm. mtg. to discuss Hizballah, Syrian-Israeli negotiations. Khaddam reportedly asks Iran to help Syria push talks with Israel to a "positive conclusion" by accepting Syrian plan to disarm Lebanese branch of Hizballah following peace agmt. (MM 6/20; Voice of Iran 6/24, SA 6/25 in FBIS 6/25; MM 6/29)

In Amman, King Hussein, Arab Democratic Party MK Darawshah discuss Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. (JTV 6/24 in FBIS 6/29)

1000s of Palestinians clash with IDF across the West Bank as widespread protests erupted in support of hunger-striking prisoners (see 6/17). Outside Orient House, 13 Palestinians are injured when Israeli police fire rubber bullets at demonstrators. In Nablus, IDF uses live ammunition to disperse 200 women, wounding 2. PM Rabin says cabinet will discuss prisoners issue at mtg. next wk. (WP, WT 6/25; MM 6/26; WJW 6/29)

Israeli border police kill 1 Palestinian, capture 2d, let 3d escape when trio attempts to cross border fr. Jordan into West Bank. (QY 6/26 in FBIS 6/27)

Lebanese Forces cmdr. Samir Ja`ja` is given death sentence, commuted to life with hard labor for murdering Dany Chamoun and his family in 10/90. (RL, VOL 6/24 in FBIS 6/27; WP, WT 6/25; MEI 7/7; MM, WT 7/26)

IDF reportedly has decided to evacuate its headquarters in Nablus, Jenin by 6/1; has drafted plan for eventual redeployment of stations now located in Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm. Police M Shahal says that after redeployment the Israeli police presence in West Bank will double, police stations will be set up in each settlement. (ITV, QY 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/29; JP 5/6)

King Hussein lobbies mbrs. of Congress, incl. Sen. Robert Dole, Rep. Gingrich, for full debt forgiveness, increased military aid; meets with Secy. of State Christopher, who says U.S. is committed to debt relief. (JTV 3/28, RJ 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; MM, NYT 3/29; WT 3/30; CSM 3/31; FT 4/4)

In Washington, U.S., Jordan sign extradition treaty. (JTV 3/28 in FBIS 3/29)

Russian FM Andrei Kozyrev arrives in Egypt, meets with FM Musa, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid, discusses peace process, Libya, NPT. (MENA 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/30)

Israel police admit that report of large bomb on truck stopped nr. Beersheba 3/21 was deliberately exaggerated, say they seized only three small homemade devices before destroying truck. (YA 3/29 in FBIS 3/30; JP 4/8)

Israeli, PLO negotiators open talks in Cairo on "early empowerment" of Palestinians in West Bank, expansion of self-rule area, redeploying IDF, elections.  Israeli side headed by IDF Maj. Gen Danny Rothschild, PLO by PNA Planning M Nabil Shaath.  Separate talks on settling issues remaining fr. 5/4 agreement, including borders of Jericho area, resume.  (MENA 7/11, 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

IDF kills 2 Hamas mbrs. in Nablus after firing anti-tank missles at house they were hiding in.  The 2 had been wanted for a year.  Several buildings in area destroyed.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; MM 7/12; TJT 7/15; JP 7/23)

Qiryat Arba settlers vacate Hebron apartments occupied 7/8 in compromise with Housing M.  (MM 7/12)

PLO Chmn. Arafat departs Tunis for Cairo on way to take up permanent residence in Gaza Strip.  Arafat meets Israeli Dep. FM Beilin to discuss early empowerment of Palestinians in o.t. before his departure.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli PM Rabin accepts King Hussein's offer for a public summit mtg.  (MM 7/11; WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli FM Peres announces he will meet Secy of State Christopher, Jordanian PM and FM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali in Jordan 7/20 in 1st public visit of an Israeli official to Jordan.  Israeli-Jordanian bilateral talks to resume 7/18 at Ein Evrona, southern Israel.  Jordanian spokesman says emphasis in talks will be on border, water issues.  (MM 7/11; MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Jordan receives over $900,000 fr. UN for claims by Jordanian families for losses in 1990-91 Gulf war.  (WSJ 7/12)

IAF raids Hizballah positions in Biqa` Valley.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

PNA Justice M Freih Abu Middein announces investigation into death in custody of Rafah r.c. resident.  Prisoner held on suspicion of drug smuggling, collaboration.  Justice Min. statement says prisoner died of "excessive violence" during interrogation.  3 interrogators detained and under investigation.   Palestinian human-rights orgs., including Hanan Ashrawi's Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights, call it a "case of maltreatment and torture."  (NYT 7/10; CSM, MM 7/11)

Israel announces 24-hr. closure of Gaza Strip to start early 7/11 in response to weekend clashes btwn. Palestinians, IDF.  (WSJ, WT 7/11; CSM 7/12)

Israeli Civil Admin., with PLO approval, appoints Fateh mbr. Ghassan al-Shak`a mayor of Nablus.  (Israeli Channel 2 TV 7/10 in FBIS 7/11)

Israel welcomes King Hussein's offer of a summit mtg. with PM Rabin.  (CSM 7/11)

Arafat performs `umra pilgrimage in Mecca, returns to Tunis. PNA Planning M Nabil Shaath says Arafat visit restored Palestinian-Saudi relations PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir `Abd-Rabbuh tells reporters PLO HQ, including Political Dept., International and Pan-Arab Relations Dept., and Returnees Dept. will remain in Tunis despite Arafat's move to Gaza.  (MENA 7/10 in FBIS 7/11; MM 7/11; WT 7/13)

Israeli navy kills 2 PFLP frogmen off coast nr. Naqura.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/13; MM 7/12; JP 7/23)

Palestinian killed in Nablus when IDF fires on demonstrators demanding release of prisoners.  (NYT 6/25; TJT 7/1)

IDF soldier injured when IDF, Palestinian police in Gaza brawl over who should take a stone-throwing Palestinian into custody.  (NYT, WP 6/25)

PM Rabin, in interviews published in Yediot Aharonot and Maariv, says "Arafat as a Muslim is entitled . . . to visit Jerusalem" to pray.  Remarks draw criticism fr. right-wing Israelis, including Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert.  In other comments, Rabin warns war with Syria inevitable unless a peace treaty reached soon.  (MM 6/24; NYT, WP 6/25)

Yediot Aharonot publishes Israeli-Jordanian peace accord allegedly signed by FM Peres, King Hussein in Amman 3/11/93.  Peres, who had at time told Israelis to "remember" that date, refuses comment.  Agreement allegedly includes border adjustments in Wadi `Araba, full diplomatic relations, arrangements for holy sites, and cooperation in transport, water, and other fields.  (WT 6/25)

IDF wounds 7 Palestinians with rubber bullets during march in support of Palestinian prisoners at al-Najah National University in Nablus.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; WT 6/23)

PCSNV activists unseal house in Jabal Mukabir, East Jerusalem.  Israeli police arrest 4 family mbrs., reseal house, and start search for activists.  PCSNV claims 67 Palestinian homes reopened since 6/17; Israeli authorities say only 30.  (CSM 6/24; JP 7/2)

Jerusalem waqf appeals for international protest against Israeli road construction nr. al-Aqsa.  (MM 6/22)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin issues proposal to eliminate Jewish Agency and WZO, end basing "Israel-diaspora relations primarily on charity."  (WT 6/23; WJW 7/7)

Pres. Clinton meets Jordan's King Hussein at White House, promises to seek Congressional approval for forgiving Jordan's $700 m. debt to U.S., says approval will depend on "visible manifestation of Jordan's commitment to peace."  (WP 6/23)

Amnesty International criticizes continued U.S. arms sales and provision of military training to 19 countries that abuse human rights, including Israel.  (WP 6/23)

Land Day, commemorating deaths of 6 Israeli Arabs in 1976 demonstrations against land confiscation, observed throughout Palestinian areas of Israel and in o.t. Israel's 800,000 Palestinian citizens observe general strike; observances dedicated to victims of Hebron massacre, 6 Fateh Hawks killed 3/28. Curfew imposed on Nablus, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, and 9 r.c.s. including Jabaliya. Largest demonstration held in Rahat in the Negev, where 22-yr.-old Bedouin killed by police 2/27. (MM 3/30, 3/31; NYT 3/31)

Jordan's King Hussein receives PLO envoy Hakam Bal'awi, bearing message fr. PLO Chmn. Arafat on coordinating policy on Jerusalem. (MM 3/31)

Jordanian delegate to multilateral talks on water sharing Munther Haddadin rejects Israeli proposals for "new Jordan River," saying "It is purely a unilateral project proposed by a group of academics financed by a German company. Jordan has nothing to do with it." (MM 3/31)(see 3/28)

IAF planes and IDF helicopters attack Hizballah targets in Iqlim al-Tuffah, Lebanon. (MM 3/30)

6 Fateh Hawks killed by 7 mbrs. of IDF undercover unit disguised as Palestinians while distributing leaflets after rally in Jabaliya r.c., Gaza Strip. At least 2 of the Hawks shot point-blank, according to witnesses. Jabaliya placed under curfew following incident. Fateh Gaza leadership calls for 3-day strike. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls emergency mtg. of leadership. (NYT, WP, WT 3/29)

Curfew imposed on Nablus and surrounding r.c.s. (MM 3/28)

Yediot Aharonot reports IMI, German companies Preusag, Kaiser, unnamed Jordanian company cooperating on 10-yr., $10 b. plan for digging "new" Jordan River to supply desalinated Mediterranean Sea water to Israel and Jordan. (WT 3/30)

King Hussein, speaking to ambassadors of permanent UNSC mbrs., conditions Jordanian return to Arab-Israeli peace talks on end to searches (part of international embargo on Iraq) of ships bound for Jordan's Red Sea port of Aqaba. (MM 3/28; NYT 3/29)

Israeli govt. declares 1-week freeze on signing contracts for govt.-subsidized housing, including those affecting construction i the o.t. Freeze also is called on planning and early proceedings of new roads in o.t. About 3,000 units in early stages in o.t. are affected by the freeze, and govt. is still unsure about what to do with 4,000 completed units unattached to infrastructure, 12,000 in various stages of construction, and about 500 completed units that have been populated in the o.t. About 60% of these 16,500 scheduled units are in "political settlements." Financial incentives encouraging settlement will be ended. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; MM, NYT, WP 7/17)

The Jerusalem Report states that 100 of the 142 settlements in the o.t. are "political settlements" according to PM Rabin, and can therefore expect significant cuts in govt. aid. These include all 16 settlements inthe Gaza Strip, as well as large W. Bank settlements of Qedumim, Elqana, and possibly Ariel. (Likud MK and Ariel mayor Ron Nahman claims freeze will have "opposite result" in his settlement, plans to increase its pop. from 11,000 to 20,000 in a year.) (Al Hamishmar 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; HaAretz 7/17 in MM 7/17)

Fateh gunman shoots, wounds 3 unarmed Hamas supporters in Rafah, Gaza. Hamas gunmen shoot, wound 1 unarmed Fateh supporter. Some 1,000 Fateh supporters then raid mosque in Yibna camp, Hamas gunmen inside open fire, wound 8. IDF troops impose curfew on Yibna. Two-week total for Fateh-Hamas violence is 1 dead, about 150 wounded. (MM, WP 7/17)

Palestinians throughout o.t. stage commercial strike called for by PLO-backed UNLU to protest seige at al-Najah University. Palestinian-Israeli leaders including all 6 MKs meet to discuss strategy, form delegation to meet with PM Rabin concerning al-Najah. Some 250 prominent Palestinians begin hunger strike in Nablus to protest siege. (MM 7/16, 17; Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

U.S. State Dept. calls for "restraint" from Israel in its handling of situation at al-Najah University, Nablus. IDF soldiers continue to surround campus, searching all students who leave; students refuse to leave until army withdraws. (WP 7/17)

Faisal Husseini announces Israeli defense establishment proposal to deport wanted men in al-Najah University for 3 years as step to lifting siege; Palestinians are drafting counter-proposal, and have sent a letter to PM Rabin to lift siege and curfew of Nablus. (Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PLO representative calls on UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali to provide int'l. protection for Palestinians in o.t., implementation of res. 681 to deal with siege at al-Najah University. (Radio Algiers Network 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PM Rabin agrees to meet with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo after U.S. Secy. of State Baker's upcoming visit; meeting would be first such visit since 1986. (WP 7/17)

Palestinian "rejectionist" groups - Hamas and the Palestine National Salvation Front (PFLP-GC, Fateh Uprising, Communist Revolutionary Party, and Sa'iqa) - meet in Damascus to discuss strategy of blocking the peace process and escalating the intifada. (MM 7/16)

King Hussein arrives in Damascus for visit with Pres. Asad. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

Islamic Resistance attacks Israeli, SLA roadblock in Kafr Huna, S. Lebanon. Israel overflies Arqub region, strengthens positions in al-Qantara, al-Tayyiba with armored vehicles. (Radio Lebanon 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam says Syria will not withdraw to eastern Lebanon in September, states that Taef accord requires withdrawal within 2 years of constitutional adoption of political reforms. (VOL 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

In Geneva, King Hussein tells UN conference on global warming that Gulf war would result in an ecological catastrophe and death toll "beyond our wildest fears" [WP 11/7]; Hussein meets with P.M. Thatcher to discuss Gulf crisis [NYT 11/7].

Sec. Baker holds short meeting with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo to discuss Gulf crisis [MENA 11/6 in FBIS 11/6].

Pentagon announces it is considering a call-up of army combat reserve units; Def. Sec. Cheney has given permission for Marines to summon 3,000 reservists to fill out brigade [WP 11/7].

Saddam orders the release of at least 77 Japanese hostages and 31 more from Western Europe after his meetings with former Japanese P.M. Nakasone [INA 11/6 in FBIS 11/6, 11/7; WP, NYT 11/7].

Two W. Bank Palestinians are shot to death near Nablus, apparently by Israeli civilian seeking revenge for Meir Kahane's 10/5 assassination; Kahane's followers in Israel threaten more retaliatory attacks, while gov't leaders appeal for restraint. In Brooklyn, thousands of Jews attend memorial service for Kahane [JDS 11/6 in FBIS 11/6; MEM 11/6; WP 11/7].

UNIFIL troops prevent Israeli soldiers from stationing surface-to-surface missile launcher into UNIFIL's area of operations in S. Lebanon; IDF says area is in "security zone" controlled by Israel [BVL, YA 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; MEM 11/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel orders 4 W. Bank universities, 800 secondary and grade schools closed for 1 month [WP, NYT 2/3]. Commercial strike continues in occupied territories [FJ 2/7]. Settlers attack al-'Azzah camp in Bethlehem, clash with residents [FJ 2/7]. 'Izz al-Din al-'Aryan, sec. of Red Crescent Society in occupied territories, is served 3-month administrative detention order [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Reports indicate Jordan's King Hussein has reservations about new U.S. proposal to restart peace negotiations because proposal contains "nothing new" [WP 2/2; NYT 2/3].

Other Countries: In Athens, PLO officials announce plan to charter ship, return Palestinian deportees to Israel [NYT 2/3]. U.S. officials state new peace proposal includes U.S. -mediated Israeli-Jordanian negotiations by September to achieve limited Palestinian self-rule in W. Bank and Gaza Strip and direct negotiations in December to reach final settlement on territories [WP 2/3]. In New York, U.S. veto defeats UN Security Council resolution demanding Israel abide by terms of 4th Geneva Convention and calling for international conference on Arab-Israeli dispute [FJ 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew remains in force in Nablus, village of 'Anabta, old and new 'Askar camps, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', Tulkarm, Jalazun, Bani Na'im, village of Hibla near Qalqiliyyah, and Gaza's Burayj camp. Jabalya remains a closed military area [NYT 2/3; FJ 2/71. Palestine Press Service reports Palestinian is shot, wounded in Tulkarm clash with IDF; 20 are beaten by soldiers in Hibla demonstration. Hibla, Tulkarm refugee camp, and 8 other towns and camps are placed under curfew. [WP 2/3]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shopkeepers strike in Gaza Strip, W. Bank, and E. Jerusalem [WP, FJ 1/31]. UNRWA clinics in Gaza Strip and W. Bank reportreating more than 300 for broken bones and other injuriesince policy of "power, force, and beatings" was declared [WP 1/3 1].

Arab World: U.S. envoy Philip Habib meets with King Hussein in Amman to discuss latest U.S. efforts to restart Middle East peace process [WP 1/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus and Balatah refugee camp, soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition in clash with demonstrators, wounding at least 7. Nablus is declared closed military zone; Balatah is placed under curfew. In Gaza City, troops beat, teargas protesters, injuring at least 7. At least 2 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire in Gaza [WP, NYT 1/311. In E. Jerusalem's Thuri quarter, demonstrators bum tires, block roads, and stone troops. Soldiers respond with tear gas, rubber bullets. Demonstrations are also reported in Hebron, Ramallah, and throughout Gaza Strip [FJ 1/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Def. Min. Rabin tours Gaza, says more troops are being deployed in occupied territories. According to Palestine Press Service, 2 Palestinians wounded in jenin clash 12/21 die in hospital. Military bans distribution of al-Quds in W. Bank for 1 month [NYT, LAT 12/23]. Israel orders 4 Palestinian teachers colleges closed for 1 month: Abu Dis College of Science and Technology in Bethlehem, al-Tirah Teachers College, al-Shuyukhi College, and Ramallah's al- 'Asriyyah Community College; closure of W. Bank government schools is extended until 12/27 [FBIS 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Full commercial strike shuts down Nablus [FJ 12/27]. Hebron Polytechnic College is ordered closed for 1 month [FJ 12/27].

Other Countries: Reagan administration statement criticizes Israel's "harsh security measures and excessive use of live ammunition" in the occupied territories. U.S. abstains in UN Security Council vote, allowing passage of resolution strongly deploring Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and W. Bank [LAT, NYT 12/23]. U.S. Jewish leaders express concern over violence in territories [WP 12/23]. U.S. Pres. Ronald Reagan signs State Dept. spending bill, which includes provision requiring closure of PLO observer mission to UN [NYT 12/24]. Jordan's King Hussein arrives in Moscow, meets with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev [CSM, LAT 12/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Gaza's Jabalya refugee camp, Palestinian youth is shot dead, at least 3 are wounded by Israeli troops; camp is placed under curfew. At least 3 Palestinians are wounded by Israeli gunfire during clashes in Jenin and Hebron villages of Yatta and Idna [LAT 12/23; WP 12/23, 12/24]. Scattered demonstrations are reported in W. Bank [NYT 12/23]. Israeli troops arrest at least 150 people in night raid on Burayj refugee camp [FJ 12/27]. Curfew is imposed on Qalqiliyyah after demonstrators bum Israeli military govemor's car [FJ 12/27]. Military erects cement barrier at Duhayshah refugee camp's main entrance in effort to prevent rock attacks on Israeli cars [FJ 12/27

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: F. M. Peres says he has no secret agreements with Jordan and has not discussed "any territorial questions" during recent talks; P. M. Shamir calls for direct negotiations with King Hussein without the involvement of "distant lands" [JP 5/8]. Qalqiliyyah is again placed under curfew after 3 firebombs were thrown at Israeli car. Settlers rampage through town, vandalizing cars and shooting at houses [FJ 5/10]. Explosion in Kiryat Gat settlement injures 4 Israelis, 1 seriously [FJ 5/10]. Military authorities impose curfew on al-Qassabah quarter of Nablus after firebomb is thrown at army patrol [FJ 5/10].

Arab World: Reports indicate Jordan has informed U.S. that Syria will participate in peace talks with Israel under auspices of UN-sponsored international conference [WP 5/8].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army patrol in S. Lebanon kills 2 Palestinian fighters, captures 3 others [WP 5/9; FJ 5/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin, in Knesset, says Wald report on condition of IDF distorts army's ability and performance [FT 5/21]. Colonel Emanuel Wald, former head of IDF planning, had accused the army on Israel TV of having buried his 700-page report on IDF weaknesses. Four men and 2 women, all of Nablus, are indicted by military court for kidnap-murder of Israeli soldier David Manos and membership in Fateh. Ibrahim 'Abdallah of Dayr Ballut is named ringleader [JP, JTA 5/21]. Italian Foreign Minister Andreotti meets deposed Hebron Deputy Mayor Mustafa Natshah, Gaza lawyer Fayez Abu Rahmah, deposed Gaza Mayor Rashad al-Shawwa, and al-Fajr editor Hanna Siniora [FJ 5/23].

Arab World: King Hussein orders arrest of leadership of Jordanian Communist party [NYT 5/21].

Military Action

Arab World: In suburban Beirut, Amal militiamen fight Palestinians for control of Burj al-Burajinah refugee camp, killing 2 and wounding 33. (Camp population: 11,000) [CSM 5/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: About 50,000 mourners attend Zafir al-Masri's 2-hour funeral procession through Nablus, carrying Palestinian flags and pictures of Yasir Arafat, and chanting pro-PLO slogans [WP, CT 3/4]. P.M. Peres states Israel will not be deterred from implementing policy of "devolution" in occupied territories, will continue to hand over administrative powers to residents there [JP 3/4]. Nadim Zaru, of Ramallah, and Walid Mustafa Hamad, of al-Birah, withdraw candidacies for mayoralities of those 2 towns [JP 3/4; WP 3/5]. Plans for delegation of senior pro-Jordanian figures to visit Amman to express support for King Hussein are also shelved [JP 3/4]. Sephardic speakers at press conference called by the Jerusalem Committee for Sephardic Jewry and the World Sephardic Federation state Jewish communities in Syria and Lebanon are being neglected [JTA 3/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian Muhammad Mahmud Abu Dar'a, 57, is shot in the head and killed, and his son Mahmud Muhammad Abu Dar'a, 22, is wounded in separate demonstration in Balata refugee camp in which the murdered man reportedly tried to strangle an Israeli soldier; 4 Palestinians are arrested [WP, CSM, CT, JP 3/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Peres proposes alternative peace plan to King Hussein's, based on "direct talks" with Jordanians and non-PLO Palestinians, with U.S. participation [NYT 6/11]. Nablus village of Bidya and neighboring villages placed under curfew by IDF following hand grenade attack on Israeli military vehicle [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: SLA captures French colonel involved in negotiations for release of Finns; he's later released: Gen. Antoine Lahd calls seizure a "mistake" [NYT 6/10].

Military Action

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports IDF recently destroyed 8 homes of southem Lebanese thought to have fired rockets at IDF and SLA positions in security zone UP 6/10]. Last IDF combat battalion withdraws from Lebanon; undisclosed number of patrols, advisers, and observers remain [NYT 6/11]. Rockets hit settlements in northern Israel [LT 6/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Tentative agreement reached in Nablus to reconcile 3-yr.-old rivalry in Federation of West Bank Labor Unions.

Arab World: Kuwait gov't. criticizes King Hussein for defying Arab summit decisions by new relations with Cairo.

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese & Palestinian resistance claim responsibility for killing IDF intelligence officer "Abu al-Nur." Light weapons fired at IDF post in Jezzine & at civil guard post in Haboush village, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Sri Lankan Defense Ministry spokesman reports departure of Israeli military staff after training counterinsurgency forces.