The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscated a residential tent in Susiya near Hebron. Israeli settlers painted racist graffiti on several Palestinian-owned vehicles near Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces sealed off the main entrance to Issawiya. Israeli forces also assaulted 2 Palestinians, resulting in hospitalization for medical treatment. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces fired at Palestinian fishermen. Israeli authorities also reduced the fishing zone from 12 nautical miles to 5 nautical miles. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; MNA, WAFA 5/17)

Facebook announced that it had closed 65 Facebook accounts, 161 Pages, 23 Groups, 12 events, and 4 Instagram accounts originating from “Israel and focused on Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Angola, Niger and Tunisia,” along with some countries in Latin America and Southeast Asia. The social media activity sought to influence politics in these countries. Facebook said that $812,000 had been spent on ads promoting related material. (Facebook 5/16)

German PM Helmut Kohl notifies FM Levy that Germany cannot provide the amount of additional aid to resettle Soviet Jews which Israel had requested [among other items, Israel had requested $10 billion in loan guarantees and an increase in amount of loans annually provided by Germany to Israel]. Germany is reportedly ready to provide compromise figure of $1 billion in loan guarantees, but Israel refuses. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 4/17 in FBIS 4/17; Ha'Aretz 4/19 in FBIS 4/21)

Israel, Angola establish diplomatic relations. (Qol Yisra'el 4/16 in FBIS 4/17)

Commemoration of Khalil Wazir's death continues as Palestinians throughout o.t. stage marches, rallies [see 4/15]. Numerous demonstrators are injured in confrontations with security forces in Shati', Jabaliya, Burayj, and Dayr al-Balah refugee camps in Gaza. (MM 4/16)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Foreign Minister Shamir asks U.S. Attomey General Meese to ban a planned visit by PLO Chairman Arafat to U.S. to appear at UN General Assembly in September [JP 5/18].

Arab World: Jordanian cabinet meets to discuss riots at University of Yarmuk. King Hussein orders release of students arrested and reopening of university [JP 5/18; MG 5/19]. Yasir Arafat retums to Tunis from tour of 10 African countries, including Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Angola.