The Palestine Chronology

The Israeli cabinet releases a statement saying that "in the absence of agreed-upon changes, the countdown for implementation of the [Wye] agreement will begin on September 1." Arafat welcomes Israel's plan to resume implementation in 9/99, but still does not approve of Barak's plan to draw out the Wye schedule. (CSM, MM, WT 8/9; CSM 8/10)

At the request of Israeli PM Barak and after consulting with Arafat and Asad, Secy. of State Albright postpones her trip to the Middle East, which was to start next wk. (IDF Radio 8/8 in WNC 8/9; MM, WP, WT 8/9; MM, NYT, WP 8/10; WJW 8/12; JP 8/13) (see 8/6)

Shaykh Hamad Bin-Khalifa al-Thani, emir of Qatar, meets with Arafat in Gaza, making him the 1st Gulf leader to visit the occupied territories since the PA was established. The emir is on a regional tour, which will also take him to Lebanon (8/8-9), Algeria (8/9-10), Morocco (8/11). (RL 8/8 in WNC 8/9; al-Quds 8/9, MAP [Rabat], TT 8/11 in WNC 8/13)

In Damascus, the PFLP briefs 8 Syrian-based opposition groups on its reconciliation talks with Arafat in Cairo 8/1-2; some groups recommend halting contacts with the PFLP if it holds further mtgs. Fatah, the PA. DFLP is not invited to the briefing; it has been banned fr. opposition mtgs. since Nayif Hawatimah shook hands with Israeli pres. Weizman at King Hussein's funeral in 2/99. (AFP, MBC, 8/9 in WNC 8/10) (see 8/6)

IDF lifts curfew on Palestinians in the Israeli-controlled sector of Hebron. (LAW 8/8) (see 8/4)

PA announces that it has arrested 3 Hamas leaders in Gaza. Israel has pressured the PA to crack down on Hamas since the Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for shooting 2 Jewish settlers in Hebron on 8/3. (WP 8/9) (see 8/7)

In Cairo, Syria's Pres. Asad briefs Pres. Mubarak on results of 4/13 Syrian-Lebanese summit in Latakia, discusses holding mini-Arab summit. (ESC Television [Cairo], MENA, RMC, SANA, SATN 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MENA 4/15 in WNC 4/17; MM 4/16; al-Thawra, Tishrin 4/16 in WNC 4/21)

King Hussein sends letter to PM Majali, asking him to prevent media criticism of Arafat, the PA, the peace process; to draft new press law that will "safeguard the interests of the kingdom." (JTV 4/15 in WNC 4/16; al-Ra'i 4/21 in WNC 4/28) (see 1/26)

In Amman, Jordan, Iran discuss expanding cultural, religious relations. (IRNA 4/16 in WNC 4/17)

Israel releases administrative detainees Ahmad Qattamesh (held 5 yrs., 8 mos.), Hassan Fatafteh (held 4 yrs.). Both men are Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine activists. (MM 4/16; PR 4/17; JP 4/25)

Jordan releases opposition leader Shubailat, arrested 2/20 during Ma'an riots. (JT 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MEI 4/24)

The PA rejects Israel's 9% redeployment plan as insufficient, unacceptable. Israel says it will redeploy unilaterally. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/10; NYT, WP, WT 3/11; WP 3/12; PR 3/21; JP 3/22; PR 3/14)

Jordan's King Hussein sends accusatory letter to Israeli PM Netanyahu. (YA 3/11 in WNC 3/14; MM 3/12; NYT, WP, WT 3/12; MM, NYT, WJW, WT 3/13; CSM 3/14) (see Doc. B1)

Arafat meets with senior DFLP, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) political leaders to discuss concerns regarding Israeli violations of Oslo agmts. (WT 3/24; MM, WT 3/25; MA 3/25 in WNC 3/27; NYT 3/26; MM 3/27)

Iranian FM `Ali Akbar Velayati arrives in Syria on the 1st leg of a 10-nation tour, meets with FM Faruq al-Shara`. (Kayahan International [Tehran] 3/10 in WNC 3/15)

IDF, Hizballah clash in s. Lebanon, leaving 1 IDF soldier wounded. (WP 3/10)

In 2d day of bread riots in Jordan, demonstrations spread fr. Karak to Amman, Ma'an, Tafila, where 1,000s of protesters clash violently with police, burn buildings. King Hussein visits Karak, blames Iraq for instigating the protests. Iraq denies the accusation. (JTV, RJ 8/17, MBC 8/18 in WNC 8/21; RMC 8/17, 8/18 in WNC 8/22; NYT, WP, WT 8/18; JT 8/18 in WNC 8/22; CSM, MM 8/19; MEI 9/6)

In Hebron, IDF arrests 19 mbrs. of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) for having knowledge of armed attacks in Israel. (PR 8/23)

In Alexandria, Pres. Mubarak, Kuwaiti heir apparent Shaykh Sa`d Abdullah al-Sabah discuss peace process, implementing decisions taken at Arab Summit 6/22-23. (RE 8/19 in WNC 8/22)

Syrian PM Mahmud al-Zu'bi arrives in Tehran with delegation for 3-days of talks on political, economic, cultural, technical relations with Iranian officials. Syrian, Iranian Trade Ms discuss expanding economic ties. (VIRI 8/17, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/18 in WNC 8/21; IRNA 8/18 in WNC 8/22; Tehran Times 8/18 in WNC 8/29; MM 8/19; CSM 8/23)

Israel fortifies IDF, SLA positions in s. Lebanon. (RL 8/17 in WNC 8/21)

Worst fighting since 1995 erupts btwn. rival Kurdish factions, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in n. Iraq. At issue are border trade with Turkey (currently worth $250,000/day in tariffs) and informal taxes, which are expected to increase dramatically when the 5/20 UN oil-for-food deal goes into effect in 9/96; control of the provincial administrative center of Irbil, considered the capital of Kurdish Iraq. The PUK accuses the KDP of collaborating with the Saddam Hussein government, initiating clashes. KDP accuses Iran of backing the PUK, starting the fighting. (MM 8/19, 8/20, 8/27)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Secy of State Christopher in Gaza, appeals for economic assistance beyond $2.4 b. pledged by international donors to avert "starvation and the humiliation and frustration" of Palestinians, asserts Palestinian authority over Muslim holy places in Jerusalem.  Christopher says U.S. feels a "special responsibility" for helping Palestinians, urges PLO to adopt modern accounting procedures.  (NYT, TJT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/22)

Israeli-Jordanian talks conclude with discussion of free-trade zone, development of Wadi `Araba.  Plans are to be presented to King Hussein, PM Rabin at 7/25 summit.  U.S. officials say Jordan, Israel to announce state of nonbelligerency.  (MM 7/21; RJ 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; WSJ, WT 7/22)

Israeli FM Peres visits Cairo to brief Egyptian Pres. Mubarak on Israel-Jordan talks.  (MM 7/21; MENA 7/21 in FBIS 7/22)

Palestinian police apprehend suspects in 7/19 Rafah ambush of IDF patrol that killed 1 Israeli.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

Lebanese court convicts Namiq Ahmad Kamal of complicity in 1976 kidnapping, murder of U.S. Amb. Francis Meloy, sentences him to 4 yrs.' hard labor.  Attack blamed on PFLP; assassin remains at large.  (RL 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; WT 7/22)

2 PFLP guerrillas killed by SLA 2 mi. fr. Israeli border.  3d guerrilla captured, says mission was to take hostages in northern Israel.  In separate incident, Lebanese soldier killed nr. Nabatiya by howitzer shell fired fr. "security zone."  (WP 6/24)

Hamas mbr. kidnapped day before found dead in Bayt Lahiya, Gaza Strip, presumably killed by family mbrs. of collaborators he had killed.  (MM 6/23; TJT 7/1; JP 7/2)

PLO Chmn. Arafat sets new conditions for his move to Jericho.  (WSJ 6/24)

18 dunams confiscated fr. Waljah village, nr. Bayt Jala, for construction of 18,000 housing units for Israelis.  (TJT 7/1)

Israeli FM Peres, on Israeli radio, says new proposals to Syria include "security, peace, and withdrawal."  Peres says contacts must take place "away fr. the eye of the media."  PM Rabin, on IDF radio, says Israel ready for "painful compromises" with Syria, criticizes rightists who claim Arabs lack military option by referring to 1973 war.  (CSM 6/24)

U.S. Pres. Clinton offers to sponsor Washington summit mtg. btwn. Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein.  (WSJ 6/24)

Frmr. Saudi diplomat Mohammed al-Khilewi, who defected to U.S. 6/14, claims to have documents proving Saudi support for Hamas, Saudi surveillance of U.S. Jewish groups, including JDL.  (WSJ 6/24)[defected 6/1--WT 6/2][filed for asylum 5/31--WT 6/4]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Def. Secy. Cheney announces proposed sale of 20 "Apache" helicopter gunships to Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, the second major arms transfer announced since Pres. Bush's 5/29 proposal to limit arms supplies to region [see 5/30]. Cheney again denies any contradiction ipolicy. (NYT 6/5)

Israeli For. Min. Levy announces France has pledged $500 million in loan guarantees to build housing for immigrants to Israel. (MEM 6/5)

Israeli planes attack suspended Palestinian and Lebanese commando bases near Sidon, S. Lebanon, for second day. Two-day raids destroyed several ammunition, vehicle depots; 22 reported killed, 82 wounded in raids on bases of Fateh, PFLP, DFLP, Fateh-Revolutionary Council, Lebanese Popular Liberation Army. Raids are largest since the 1982 Lebanon war. (LAT 6/5; NYT, WP 6/6)

Prime Min. Shamir tells parliamentarians from Agudat Yisra'el party he opposes notion of "Jordan is Palestine," sees no value in replacing King Hussein with Arafat. (Radio Israel in FBIS 6/3)

Arab-Americans object to FBI policy of questioning business and community leaders of Arab descent [MEM 1/11; NYT, LAT 1/12].

White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater says Gulf military operation cost U.S. $10 billion in 1990, and that U.S. has received $6 billion "in cash and in-kind support from our allies to defray this cost" [NYT, LAT 1/12].

Pres. Saddam Hussein tells conference of Islamic leaders that he is preparing for holy war against multinational forces that could only be averted if greater priority is given to solving Palestine problem [NYT, LAT 1/12].

Senior UN officials urge Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar to ask Saddam for pledge to leave Kuwait immediately in return for international conference to address Palestine problem. Before leaving Geneva, Perez de Cuellar meets with EC leaders who offer peace proposal that includes stationing UN peacekeeping force in Gulf and convening international conference [MEM 1/11; NYT, LAT 1/12]; en route to Baghdad, Perez de Cuellar stops in Amman for meeting with King Hussein [ADS 1/11 in FBIS 1/14].

Pres. Gorbachev telephones Pres. Bush, and twice dispatches Soviet ambassador to White House to discuss Soviet's last-minute Gulf peace initiative [LAT 1/12].

Washington Post/ABC News poll finds 66% of respondents say U.S. should agree to international conference on Arab-Israeli issues if Iraq agrees to withdraw from Kuwait; 68% think if Iraqi doesn't withdraw, U.S. should go to war; 86% believe war is inevitable [WP 1/11].

4 PFLP fighters are killed in shootout with IDF troops in S. Lebanon [JDS 1/12 in FBIS 1/14].

The "Troika" foreign ministers of the EC (Italy, Ireland, and Luexembourg) arrive for overnight visit in Israel; say opening of Israeli-Palestinian dialogue is essential to peace. Italian F.M. Gianni De Michelis adds "the peace process is impossible without the Palestinians and without areal representative of the Palestinians" [MEM 7/23; WP 7/24]; Troika meets with Israeli F.M. David Levy; De Michelis hints EC is not likely to honor Israel's request for enhanced trade with integrated Europe in 1992 without peace progress (cf. 7/24) [JDS 7/23; MEM 7/24; MAA 7/24 in FBIS 7/24].

King Hussein meets Pres. Mubarak in Alexandria for "working visit" [MENA, ADS, 7/23 in FBIS 7/23].

PFLP spokesman denies that 4 persons killed by Jordanian troops on 7/21 belonged to his group [RMC 7/23 in FBIS 7/24].

Immigrant Absorption Minister Yitzhak Perez tells Knesset committee some 70,000 immigrants have arrived in Israel in 1990, 61,000 from USSR. He also says that beginning in August, 20,000 immigrants will arrive monthly UDS 7/23 in FBIS 7/24].

Arafat sends cable to Pres. Mubarak, reaffirming "strong fraternal ties" between Palestinians and Egyptians. Cable, 2d in 2 days, is seen as part of PLO efforts to diffuse tensions starting with Egyptian newspaper attacks on Arafat (cf. 7/19) [MEM 7/24].

Israeli and SLA artillery shell Iqlim al-Tuffah in S.Lebanon [BVL 7/24 in FBIS 7/24]; shelling wounds 5 Fateh soldiers [BVP 7/23 in FBIS 7/25].

Israeli housing minister David Levy calls for building 2,000 new W. Bank apartments this year to house Jewish immigrants (cf. 3/12) [WT 3/9].

Ruth Kaminker of Jerusalem's City Planning Board says city gov't. has plans to build new Jewish neighborhood in Mount Homa area of E. Jerusalem, despite U.S. opposition [WT 3/9].

In interview with Le Figaro, King Hussein blames U.S. for helping facilitate Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [ADS 3/8 in FBIS 3/9].

Pres. Asad denounces political changes in E. Europe as beneficial to Israel [NYT, WP 3/9]; says U.S. is encouraging Soviet Jewish emigration, pledges to continue war against Israel "for as long as time" (cf. 3/9) [LAT 3/10].

Attacking what he calls Arafat's "strategy of compromise," PFLP leader George Habash calls for "mobilizing all our energies" to foil proposed Israeli-Palestinian negotiations [NYT 3/9].

Hamas issues statement explaining it does not intend to join national leadership in O.T., nor any Palestinian-Israeli dialogue; says it is not part of PLO, therefore PNC resolutions are not binding on Hamas [JTS 3/8 in FBIS 3/12].

PLO advisor Nabil Sha'ath says it is important the U.S.-PLO dialogue continue, and that PLO keep all channels open [RAY 3/9 in FBIS 3/9].

Pentagon officials say U.S. will sell to Israel (at a cost of over $200 million) sophisticated new weapons system capable of shooting down tactical ballistic missiles [LAT 3/9].

Israeli forces outside self-imposed "security zone" in S. Lebanon shoot dead 5 Arabs, allegedly members of Hizballah [IDF 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; NYT, LAT 3/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza City shops observe 1-day strike [WP 10/11]. Yigdal Shahaf is shot in head, seriously wounded by unknown assailant near Damascus Gate [WP 10/11; MET 10/24]. Caller allegedly from Force 17 later claims responsibility, charges Shahaf was Mossad agent [FJ 10/18]. Arab World: In speech to Jordanian Parliament, King Hussein blames Likud for dimmed prospects for peace conference, announces postponement of elections for lower house of Parliament for at least 2 years [WP 10/11]. PLO Executive Com. Chairman Yasir Arafat holds talks with Arab League Sec. Gen. Chedli Klibi in Tunis [FBIS 10/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In 3d consecutive day of violence in Gaza Strip, Israeli troops use live ammunition to disperse stonethrowing demonstrators at Gaza's Islamic University, injuring at least 3 students. In separate Gaza City incident, at least 8 Palestinians are wounded by Israeli troops firing live ammunition and tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators [WP 10/11; FBIS 10/13].

Arab World: Hospitals near Sidon report 7 are killed, 10 wounded in daylong battles between Amal and Palestinian forces around 'Ayn al-Hilwah [WP 10/12]. IDF fighter planes strike PFLP target in Biqa' Valley [NYT 10/11; FBIS 10/13]. Lebanese fighters claim to down IDF helicopter during Biqa' raid; IDF denies allegation [FBIS 10/13].

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].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel continues with plans to expel Palestinian newspaper editor, writer, and poet Akram Haniyyah although he has not been charged with any crime [WP 11/23]. Memorial march for a murdered Jewish student ends in anti-Arab violence in Jerusalem [LAT 11/24; FJ 11/28].

Arab World: Representatives of Fateh and the Syrian-based PFLP meet in Moscow to discuss plans to reconcile the two factions [NYT 11/24]. Egypt's Pres. Mubarak and Jordan's King Hussein end two days of talks in Cairo [LAT 11/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian forces seize Christian village of Maghdushah [F) 11/28]. 14 are killed, 39 wounded in fighting between Palestinians and Amal militiamen throughout Beirut and S. Lebanon [BS 11/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Atleast 9 more West Bankers are served with 6-month town arrest orders this week, bringing total number of known arrestees during the past 2 weeks to 18 [FJ 8/1].

Arab World: King Hussein returns from 2-day visit to Damascus [FJ 8/1]. Fateh Central Committee concludes 2-week meeting in Tunis in which it discussed recent Jordanian moves [FJ 8/1].

Military Action

Arab World: UNIFIL intercepts and disarms 4 armed guerrillas from the PFLP attempting to cross the S. Lebanon "security zone" on their way into Israel; the 4 are transported north of the zone [FJ 8/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states Israel has engaged in "quiet diplomacy" with Jordan since King Hussein's break with the PLO in February [BG, WP 4/29]. Syrian army deserter captured by Israeli army in S. Lebanon says on Israel TV that he and 2 other Syrian deserters were recruited and paid by Fateh to infiltrate Israel, take hostages at Kibbutz Manara, take the French ambassador to Israel hostage, and demand safe passage out of the country to Jordan, Egypt, or Tunisia; he states Fateh has many Syrian, Pakistani, and Iraqi recruits for similar missions [JP 4/29].

Arab World: Spokespersons for Yasir Arafat's Fateh, the DFLP, and the PFLP denounce Jordanian regime for secret contacts with Israeli government officials [FJ 5/2]. Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council claims responsibility for 4/27 shooting of British tourist in East Jerusalem, states it was in reprisal for U.S. air raid on Libyand British "collusion" in the attack, states Briton shot was an intelligence agent [WP, PI 4/29]. Egypt, which supplies Israel with one quarter of its oil, has reduced prices by approximately 25%, saving Israeli Treasury over $50 million a year [JTA 4/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Citizens' Rights Movement presents report to DM Rabin citing discrimination in Occupied Territories, outlining proposals for improvement; cites as example of discrimination 4,000 phone lines in Kiryat Arba as opposed to 700 in Hebron UP 2/14]. DM Rabin states no settlement will be erected on Tal Rumeida, Hebron; Cabinet Min. Ne'eman insists previous Likud govt. approved such proposed settlement [JP 2/15].

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat leaves for Rumania. PLO Political Dept. Head Farouq Qaddoumi, Fateh second-in-command Salah Khalaf insist PLO set up own independent state, have sole right to represent Palestinians at any peace talks [WP 2/15]. DFLP, PFLP criticize Arafat-Hussein accord [JP 2/15]. Lebanese security forces indicate over 1,000 SLA members have deserted since Israel announced withdrawal plans [LAT 2/16].

Other Countries: US State Dept. report on human rightsituation in Israel, Occupied Territories generally favorable [JP 2/14].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF kills 11 resistance fighters, captures 9 in firefight along the Awali River [NYT 2/15]. IDF raid Burj Rahhal after bomb explodes near convoy; 150 questioned, 60 detained; 1 man killed, another wounded; 3 homes, community center bulldozed; IDF, French UNIFIL troops engage in fistfight as French try to stop demolition of homes [WP 2/15, LT 2/28]. IDF troops fire upon car of NBC news correspondent Bonnie Anderson at Awali River bridge near Sidon; no injuries [WP 2/15, NYT 2/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Govt. gives no official response to news of 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord, but PM Peres skeptical [JTA 2/13]. Tel Aviv contractor Avner Ehrlich urges Fed. of Contractors & Builders in Israel to boycott Dheisheh camp construction workers; refers to camp as "terror base" [JP 2/13]. 25 women prisoners at Neve Tertza begin hunger strike for better conditions [Fl 2/22].

Arab World: Arafat-Hussein agreement (2/11) condemned by DFLP, PFLP, Popular Struggle Front, al-Sa'iqa in Damascus. Chrmn. Arafat leaves Amman for Tunis to convene meeting of Fateh Central Committee [LAT 2/13].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF raid Toura; 1 villager killed, 2 wounded, 5 arrested UP 2/13]. RPG's, shots fired at IDF post near Ruman; 6 wounded. Gunfire wounds SLA officer at roadblock in Sila [JP 2/14]. SLA withdraws from Sidon [FT 2/14].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Imam of Katibeh Mosque in Gaza given 18 mos. prison term for "incitement" after denouncing murder of Hebron U. students last July. Gaza artist, Fathi Ghabin's detention extended for producing "inciting" posters. Raphael Eitan and Chaim Herzog lead public castigation of 6 Israeli POWs returned by PLO in November prisoner exchange and 2 others still captive for cowardly surrender. Gush Emunim settlers camp at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus declaring to create permanent Jewish presence there; Peace Now warns of demonstration next day, supports DM Zipori's position that encampment is illegal. Teachers in 10 Israeli gov't. schools in Ramallah and al-Bireh strike over low wages. Life sentences given 2 Palestinians charged with killing Ramallah Village League head (1981), and an attack on IDF officer imposed as "(mayor" of al-Bireh; 2 others sentenced to 12-14 years for attacking Israeli settler in Hebron.

Arab World: Arafat accepts outline of Saudi-organized ceasefire in Tripoli. After letter from Pres. Reagan reiterating US position, King Hussein says he is prepared to resume talks with Arafat on joint Palestinian-Jordanian approach to negotiations with Israel; in light of current struggle in Tripoli, Hussein promises to put "no conditions on him. " Rebel spokesman asserts Tripoli fighting results from Arafat's refusal to heed Coordination Committee proposals. Tyre municipality opens special employment office for men released from Ansar prison; appeals to UNRWA to provide jobs.

Other Countries: Meeting in Washington, Pres. Gemayel and Reagan agree to stand by May 17 Lebanese-Israeli agreement. US Sec. of Defense Weinberger tells Jewish leaders of Synagogue Council of America that Arafat is "irrelevant" to future of Middle East. Chile's FM ends visit to Israel; agreement reached to expand mutual trade and agricultural cooperation. Abu Ja'far, Dir. of PLO Political Dep't holds talks with Soviet charge d'affaires in Tunis; also received GDR, DPRK, Rumanian, Polish and Czech ambassadors on occasion of Int'l. Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People. Major oil co.s shipping under Liberian flag pressure Liberian gov't. to cancel plans for embassy in Jerusalem; ambassador reported looking for alternative location in Tel Aviv.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Palestinian casualties in Lebanon mountain artillery exchanges: 2 PFLP fighters, 1from Struggle Front, 2 from Liberation Army and 1 from al-Saiqa killed; 2 from Struggle Front wounded. Israel-backed militia chief in S. Lebanon, Abu Saleh, quits to renew loyalty to Amal militia. 1983 to date, 71 Druze quit Israeli military for religious reasons (compares with 19 in 1982).

Military Action:

US and Israeli officials in Beirut agree to demarcate formal boundary between their two forces, using brightly painted barrels; IDF reported using tactic of "reconnaissance by fire," driving along Sidon road and spraying the orchards with machine gun fire; 160 French marines added to French contingent in MNF, another 140 to follow; Syrian Press Agency in West Beirut shattered by bomb.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 10 new settlements under preparation, 30 awaiting approval; World Zionist Organization predicts population parity between Jews and Arabs in West Bank could be achieved with 1.4 million Jews by year 2010.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PFLP leader George Habash tells Damascus press conference he will ask forthcoming PNC meeting in Algiers to reject Reagan plan and Arafat/ Hussein talks; Major Haddad tells press conference in Metulla that Lebanese government is too weak to guarantee agreement with Israel.

Arab Governments: Mubarak ends one day visit to France.

US and Other Countries: Reagan Administration reported to favor increased grant to loan ratio in $2.5 billion economic and military aid package for Israel; international commission headed by Sean MacBride announces findings that Israel's invasion of Lebanon violated international law and that Israel was involved in the "planning and preparation" of the Beirut massacres; in London, hearing continues on shooting of Israeli Ambassador Argov, currently hospitalized in Jerusalem suffering near total blindness and paralysis.