The Palestine Chronology

Armed Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip fire an estimated 55 rockets and mortars at s. Israel in the morning, causing no injuries. The IQB and the Ansar al-Quds group claim joint responsibility in retaliation for the IDF assassination on 10/7/12. The IDF retaliates with air strikes and artillery fire on an area of s. Gaza, wounding a total of 10 Palestinians (4 armed and 6 civilians, including 2 children from the same family), and artillery fire on n. Gaza, damaging a factory but causing no injuries. (JP, NYT, YA 10/8; PCHR 10/11).

In the West Bank, a Jewish settler shoots and wounds a Palestinian laborer nr. Bayt Jala, and a group of Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian-owned house nr. Nablus. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night, and conducts house searches and arrest raids in Balata r.c. in Nablus and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron. (JP NYT, YA 10/8; PCHR10/11)

The IDF conducts a predawn arrest raid in Nablus's Askar refugee camp, detaining at least 3 Palestinians, seizing 1 Palestinian apartment as an observation post, and exchanging gunfire with residents, leaving 1 soldier wounded. The IDF conducts another predawn arrest raid in Dayr al-Balah, shelling residential areas, occupying 2 Palestinian homes as observation posts. In Beersheba, 2 Hamas gunmen open fire outside an IDF base, killing 2 IDF soldiers, wounding 4 before being shot dead by troops. In response, the IDF F-16s drop bombs on a PSF headquarters in Gaza and Ansar 2 prison; helicopter gunships fire missiles on targets around Gaza City and Jabaliya, injuring 20 Palestinians, including employees of the UN Special Coordinator's Office (UNSCO), which is damaged in the attack. UNSCO protests. Later, Palestinians fire 2 objects fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no injuries; at least 1 of the devices leaves a 7-ft. hole, leading the IDF to suspect that it was a Qassam-2 rocket, rather than a mortar, which would mark the 1st time Palestinians have fired one of the homemade missiles. The IDF later reports it has confiscated 3 empty rocket launchers in Gaza. Jewish settlers severely beat a Palestinian teenager nr. Tal Rumayda; beat, rob another teenager nr. Nablus; bulldoze 12 dunams of olive groves nr. Antalia settlement. (MEZ, WP 2/10; XIN 2/10 in WNC 2/11; MM, NYT, WP 2/11; CSM 2/12; JT 2/12 in WNC 2/13; LAW, PCHR 2/13; MEI 2/22)

Sharon returns fr. the U.S., immediately calls for a mtg. of his inner cabinet to discuss how to respond to recent Palestinian attacks. (NYT 2/11)

The State Dept. confirms that Powell has received correspondence fr. Arafat regarding the Karine A affair, saying he was not involved but that as leader of the PA, he will take responsibility for the incident, punish those responsible. (WT 2/11; NYT 2/12, 2/14)

An IDF autopsy performed in the presence of a Palestinian doctor confirms that the 14-yr.-old Palestinian who died in Jerusalem on 2/8 was killed by an IDF bullet. (LAW 2/10, 2/13)

Israeli police arrest fugitive Kach leader Baruch Marzel in Pnei Hever settlement, West Bank, last of 5 Kach/Kahane Chai leaders sought. Marzel is sentenced to 3 mos.' administrative detention. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/4)

Frmr. Hebron Mayor Mustafa Natsha, deposed a decade earlier at settler demand, resumes post. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/4; CSM 4/5)

"Ansar 2" prison in Gaza evacuated, transferring its 600 inmates to Qetziot ("Ansar 3") in Israel. Prison site is to become Palestinian police training camp. Also, 18 Israeli families leave Dugit settlement in northern Gaza Strip. (WP 4/4, 4/5; MM 4/5)

Clashes btwn. Palestinians, IDF in Hebron, Gaza leave 10 Palestinians, 2 soldiers wounded. Meanwhile, Fateh mbr. Kamal 'Abd al-Majid kidnapped fr. Gaza City home by Hamas for "collaboration"; Hamas figure Khalid Hindi, director of Islamic University pres.' office, kidnapped by Fateh but later released. (WP, WT 4/4)

Norwegian FM Johan Jorgen Holst, 56, who brokered Israel-PLO agreement, dies in Oslo after suffering 2d stroke in 2 mos. (WP, WT 1/14)

Edward P. Djerejian, frmr. U.S. amb. to Syria and asst. secy. of state, begins term as U.S. amb. to Israel. (MM 1/13; CSM 1/14)

PLO Econ. Dept. DG Ahmad Qurai' announces in Tunis creation of Palestinian Development Bank, with initial capital of $250 m., to channel aid to autonomous areas. (MM 1/13)

50 anti-DoP Palestinian inmates at Qetziot ("Ansar 3") prison camp launch hunger strike organized by PFLP, DFLP. (MM 1/14)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army spokesperson says a 75% increase since last February in the number of prisoners at Ansar 3 (currently 4,400) has prompted the army to build an addition holding 1,200 more prisoners to the jail [WP 9/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, troops shoot, kill 19-year-old Palestinian allegedly lighting a firebomb. Troops hit 16- month-old child in eye with rubber bullet. At least 4 other Palestinians are killed throughout O.T. [NYT, LAT 9/11]. In an overnight incident, Israeli soldier and Arab are shot, killed, during a skirmish near the Israeli-Lebanese border. Both the PFLP and the Lebanese National Resistance Front claim involvement in the clash [NYT 9/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish organizations refuses Israeli request to criticize U.S.-PLO talks. Conference asks U.S. to reassess talks with PLO, defends Israel's human rights record [WP 2/11]. Palestinian activist Faisal al-Husseini states that Palestinians are willing to discuss giving up the right of return in exchange for compensation [LAT 2/11]. Jerusalem Post poll shows that 65% of Israelis are willing to give up part of the O.T. for peace. Poll by the Dahaf Institute shows that 53% of Israelis favor talks with PLO [LAT 2/11].

Other Countries: UN Commission on Human Rights issues report accusing Israel of torture, human right violations [FBIS 2/ 13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops at Ansar III fire tear gas to break up demonstrations. At least 8 Palestinians are treated for gas inhalation. 2 Palestinians are shot. In Gaza at least 7 Palestinians are shot [FJ 2/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel bans "popular committees" which have assisted Palestinians during the intifadah; membership in a popular committee is made punishable by 10 years in prison. Representatives of the European Community protest Israel's deportation policy; Israel's Foreign Ministry responds that deportations are necessary to maintain order. Israel lifts 3-day curfew for parts of Gaza; 265,000 Palestinians remain under curfew [WP 8/19]. Qabatiyyah is placed under curfew for the 27th consecutive day [FJ 8/21].

Other Countries: International Committee of the Red Cross criticizes shooting of 2 Palestinians at Ansar III prison, calls removal of Palestinian prisoners from occupied territories a violation of the 4th Geneva Convention [WP 8/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tammun 2 Palestinians are shot during confrontations with soldiers; in al-Am'ari refugee camp 4 Palestinians are shot during clashes; in Burayj one Palestinian isshot; in Jabalya one Palestinian is shot [FJ 8/2 1]. Red Cross officials state that 270 Palestinians were treated following beatings during the period from 15 to 17 August [WP 8/19]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian women hold sit-in strike at Red Cross offices in W. Bank and Gaza to protesthe conditions at Ansar 3 prison [FJ 8/14].

Arab World: In Damascus King Hussein and Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Assad discuss Jordan's severing of ties with the W. Bank [LAT 8/9].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops use tear gas to break up demonstrations in al- 'Azzah. In 'Ayn Arik settlers and soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition during clashes with Palestinians; the village is declared closed military zone. Near Tulkarm bomb explodes and injures 3. Demonstrations occur in Beach camp, Samu', Gaza City [FJ 8/14]. Police minister Chaim Bar-Lev tours the Allenby bridge, states that since Hussein's severing of ties crossings of the bridge have dropped by 50%; Palestinians state that travel restrictions placed on villages by Israelis have decreased bridge traffic [LAT 8/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Jerusalem Post reports IDF lieutenant and 5 military policemen and soldiers of Givati Brigade are being charged with abusing prisoners at Ansar II detention camp [JP 6/21]. Two cars owned by Hanna Siniora are burned while parked in front of his Jerusalem home; PFLP claims responsibility [FJ 6/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defying IDF curfew, 1,500 Palestinians attend funeral of Karim Khalaf in Ramallah [PI 4/4]. Min. of Police, Prisons Service indicate accused Jewish underground defendants now in custody will be released on 48-hr. leave for Passover holiday; 5 held for murder will not be released [JP 4/4]. New IDF SLA liaison chief asserts predecessor, Col. Avraham Hido (killed in 2/19 clash with resistance in S. Lebanon), may have been killed "in error" by SLA troops traveling with him UP 4/4]. Fight breaks out between Palestinian, Jewish students at Haifa U. (scene of several recent incidents) [P 4/4].

Other Countries: US State Dept. states Israel violated Articles 49, 76, 77 of 4th Geneva Convention in its 4/2 transfer of 1,100 Ansar inmates to Israel [NYT 4/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Border Police shoot and injure 18-yr.-old Sameh Sha'ar in Nablus during mock funeral for Karim Khalaf [PI 4/4, FJ 4/5].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF release 752 Ansar prisoners near Tyre [NYT, WP 4/4]. IDF raid Shihabiya; several arrested [NYT 4/4]. Roadside bomb explodes as IDF patrol passes near Douer; 1 injured. 2 IDF soldiers wounded by roadside bomb near al-Bazouriya. Katyusha, RPGs, shots directed at IDF liaison HQ, Nabatiya; no report of casualties. RPG fired at IDF HQ, Tyre; no reported injuries. IDF raid Deir Zabna [JP 4/4].

Other Countries: Anti-tank rocket fired at building housing Jordanian embassy in Rome; Black September claims responsibility [WP 4/5].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF transfer more than 1,100 prisoners from Ansar camp in S. Lebanon to site in Israel [NYT 4/3]. Roadside bomb kills IDF soldier near Douer; 2 others wounded. IDF soldier wounded by mine near Ba'alul. Resistance fighter killed by IDF near Deir Qanun al-Nahr. Anti-tank missile fired at IDF patrol, undisclosed location; no injuries [JP 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Central Bureau of Statistics reports 37% of occupied territories' work force employed in Israel during 1984: 50,000 from W. Bank, 40,000 from Gaza; 44,000 worked in construction, 13,000 in agriculture [JTA 3/7]. Housing Min. begins building permanent structures in 3 settlements formerly containing temporary housing: Atzmona in Gaza, Cadim in N. portion of W. Bank, and Na'ama in Jordan Valley [JP 3/6]. Haifa U. suspends Palestinian student leader Amir Makhoul, imposes sentences on 3 other Arabs, 1 Jewish student, for activities stemming from 1/17 disturbance at university during speech by MK Eitan [JP 3/7].

Arab World: After meeting with Pres. Mubarak in Hurghada, Egypt, King Hussein expresses support for 2/24 Mubarak proposal for talks between US, joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation [NYT, WSJ 3/7].

Other Countries: Reagan administration defersending Israel's $2.6 billion aid request to Congress for approval; states Israel has not made sufficient progress toward solving economic problems [NYT 3/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities bulldoze 2 homes "illegally" built in Shuyuh [JP 3/7]. Roadside bomb explodes as settler's car passes in Hebron area; nearby note claims DFLP responsibility [JTA 3/8].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: RPGs, shots fired at IDF, SLA posts in Shukin, Ansar; no casualties [JP 3/7]. IDF kill 2, wound 1 resistance fighter in Kafr Sir. SLA soldier wounded in Yatar. IDF raid Bidias; arrest 20 [DT, CSM, NYT 3/7]. IDF, Shin Bet agents arrest dozens in Tyre. Taxi driver killed by IDF near Tyre. IDF raid Burj Eliya; 12-yr. -old boy killed. Civilians in Teir Dibba forced to sit outside village during IDF raid [LT 3/7]. 7 Beirut-based journalists arrested by IDF near Tyre; later released [on 2/26 Israel issued ban on Beirut-based journalists in areas under IDF control] [NYT MG 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO exec. committee endorses 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord with changes: reiterates opposition to UN Sec. Council Resolution 242; reiterates that Palestinian-Jordanian federation can occur only after independent Palestinian state is formed; proposes PLO delegation to intl. peace conference as part of joint Arab delegation to be formed after "complete Arab support" of plan is secured [DT 2/21].

Other Countries: US, USSR begin talks on Middle East in Vienna [WP 2/20]. UN Human Rights Commission condemns Iraeli violations of human rights in occupied Arab territories [MG 2/20].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF soldier wounded by roadside bomb near Lake Karoun. IDF kill commando, arrest dozens, near 'Arab Salim bridge on the Zahrani River [JP 2/20]. RPGs fired at IDF positionear Ansar; no casualties. RPGs, shots directed at IDF position near Deir Qanun; no injuries [JTA 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israelis, al-Fara'a refugee camp residents protest outside al-Fara'a prison, demand release of Dheisheh residents detained there after 2/1 raid on camp [FJ 2/15]. Authorities ask 4 unnamed Palestinians to become mayors of cities whose mayors were previously expelled [BG 2/11]. IDF reopen al-Bireh high school [closed 2/7] [FJ 2/15]. Interior Ministry forbids hajj to Mecca for Palestinians inside "Green Line" who are under 35, or who made hajj in the past [FJ 2/22].

Other Countries: France agrees to US request not to sell 2 nuclear reactors to Israel [PM Peres indicated 12/9 Israel sought to buy such reactors] [LAT 2/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb thrown at Israeli bus near al-Azariya; no injuries [JP 2/11].

Arab World: IDF jets attack DFLP base in Ta'lbaya, Lebanon; 2 injured [NYT 2/11]. IDF soldier injured 2/4 by roadside bomb near Tyre dies. 2 IDF soldiers killed by roadside bomb north of Israel-Lebanon border near Metulla. IDF convoy attacked north of Litani River, S. Lebanon; 1 killed, 3 wounded [WP 2/11]. RPG fired at IDF patrol near Burj al-Shemali camp, S. Lebanon; 1 wounded [JP 2/11]. IDF indicate prisoners held in Ansar prison will be transferred tonew site either in Israel or portion of S. Lebanon held by the SLA when IDF withdraws [JP 2/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: New IS10,000 note [approx. $16] bearing Golda Meir portrait begins circulation.

Arab World: US & Iraq resume full diplomatic relations. French Pres. Mitterrand begins 3-day official visit to Damascus. Rifa'at Assad returns to Syria from 51/2- mo. exile.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF patrol near Ansar comes under light arms fire; IDF returns fire, killing 1 gunman. IDF positions near Adwer & Kafr Kuk fired upon; no casualties reported. Israeli troops kidnap 3 from Kafr Seer, incl. head of Amal social services.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 500 settlers from southern kibbutzim demonstrate before PM's office in Jerusalem for immediate IDF withdrawal from Lebanon. Occupation authorities ban Al-Fajr journalist from entering West Bank for 1 year and Gaza for 6 months; no explanation given. [The journalist recently served 4 mos. in jail for possession of "banned printed material."]

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: 2 grenades thrown at IDF patrols in central Sidon; 1 in Nabitiya; roadside bomb explodes by remote control as IDF passes near Ansar. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Denied building permits since 1948, refugees of Kadita village living in Anbara camp granted 35 dunums by Israeli Lands Administra- tion. In response to latest clashes with Arab residents in Upper Nazareth, Arab-Jewish committee formed in Jerusalem to combat increasing racism against Arabs. Law in the Service of Man (Ramallah) publishes reply to misinformation in US State Dep't. report on Israel's human rights record.

Arab World: US Sec. of State Shultz defends "strategic coorperation" with Israel during talks with HM Hassan II in Rabat. About 2,000 Lebanese and Palestinian former Ansar prisoners rearrested and interrogated by Israeli forces. Israeli military court in Nablus sentences 14 youths from Qabatyah to 2 to 3-year prison terms for stone-throwing.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dhib Mahmoud Daba'ak killed instantly by Israeli patrol while ploughing field near Tayasir, NW of Nablus; body airlifted to Jaffa for autopsy and Israel Army spokesman announces man killed by stray bullet while riding horse into firing range. Israeli forces set up checkpoints at entrances to al-Najah National University, harassing students and faculty. Booby-trapped IDF grenade explodes on doorstep of Palestinian home in Husan village; 2 other bombs discovered in search of village.

Military Action:

Syrian forces shoot down pilotless Israeli drone aircraft over Beqaa valley; PLO rebels announce open-ended cease-fire in Tripoli area; IDF reports several guerrillas killed, arms and ammunition caches seized in Beqaa.

Casualties:

Massive prisoner exchange takes place as 6 IDF POWs released by PLO, 4500 Arab prisoners, including 63 Palestinians convicted of attacks in Israel, and 37 Palestinians arrested at sea in late September by Israeli navy off the coast of tripoli, released by Israel; Ansar camp closed, 3400 prisoners remain in Lebanon, 1100 flown by Air France to Algeria; IDF returns Palestinian Research Center archives seized in Beirut during 1982 invasion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Council of Jewish Settlements on West Bank and Gaza criticizes release of Palestinians from Israeli prisons, calls for death penalty in certain cases to prevent repetition.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Saudi FM, in Damascus, says general agreement has been reached for cease-fire and withdrawal of all Palestinian forces in and around Tripoli, practical steps under discussion; Lebanese government announces it will break diplomatic relations with Iran, freeze relations with Libya.

US and Other Countries: White House announces that Reagan will meet Gemayel on December 1.

Military Action:

IDF Border Police and General Security Services HQ in Tyre destroyed by car bomb, Islamic Jihad group claims responsibility; Israeli Air Force attacks PSP and Palestinian targets in Aley, Bhamdoun and Sofar areas near Beirut-Damascus highway, Syrian positions at Sofar reportedly hit, 16 T-54 tanks destroyed; heavy fighting continues in Tripoli around Baddawi and Nahr al-Bared refugee camps.

Casualties:

29 IDF personnel, mostly Druze border police, 10 Palestinian and Lebanese detainees killed, 29 Israelis, 3 Palestinians and Lebanese wounded in Tyre bombing, 7 more IDF soldiers wounded when ammunition explodes in rubble; up to 60 killed, 100 wounded in Israeli air attacks, PFLP-GC HQ destroyed; 24-hour curfew imposed on Tyre; 6 prisoners killed at Ansar when bulldozer collapses escape tunnel.

Political Responses:

Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Arens says it doesn't matter who mounteid attack on IDF HQ in Tyre, Lebanon is one big network of murderers and Israel will hit back strongly; advocate Lea Tsemel reveals that Israeli prison service used teargas against 30 Palestinian women prisoners in their cells at Neve Tertza prison on October 3 1.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva talks adjourn, Gemayel to travel to US, European and Arab capitals, talks to resume on November 14; Arafat, under fire in Tripoli, says Syrians want to eliminate him so as to gain control of PLO as part of American-Syrian deal.

US and Other Countries: US Intelligence reportedly focuses on Islamic Amal movement, based in Baalbek, as being associated with Beirut bombings; Defense Department tests and plans to order $200 million worth of Israeli-designed anti-tank weapons, to be manufactured in US.

Military Action:

Shelling continues around Souq al-Gharb. Casualties: First 200 refugees evacuated by Red Cross from Deir al-Qamar; prisoner at Ansar camp shot and wounded by IDF.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel warns Lebanon not to abrogate May 17 agreement, says it will keep IDF In South Lebanon, close bridges; free sale of foreign currency banned, dollar sells unofficially for 100 shekels; US Under-secretary of State Eagleburger arrives for wide-ranging talks with senior government officials.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: First substantive rounds of reconciliation talks in Geneva focus on agenda and on opposition by Syria to Israeli-Lebanese troop withdrawal agreement; Israeli and US personnel reportedly active as consultants to Geneva conference participants.

US and Other Countries: Senate Appropriations Com. cuts $220 m. secret funding for Jordanian strike force from 1984 military budget.

Military Action:

IDF patrol of 8 APCs, 2 Centurion tanks enters Saadiyat, 8 mi. north of Awali, assists LAF and LF in battle with PSP.

Casualties:

Several dozen detainees released from Ansar prison camp, 4700 remain. Political Responses:

US and Other Countries: US admits it asked Israel, on behalf of Lebanon, to use its army and air force to attack PSP positions in Chouf about a week ago, but Israelis refused.

Military Action:

6 hours of shelling in Chouf spill over into Beirut suburbs, IDF fires at Druze positions, cease-fire in effect at 0800; Lebanese Forces blockade Aley, Druze forces in Hammana surround Lebanese Army barracks; roads cut between Christian and Druze villages in Chouf; 2 Katyushas fired at IDF position north of Tyre.

Casualties:

6 killed, at least 21 wounded in Beirut suburbs; IDF kills 1 guerrilla north of Tyre; Israeli press reports IDF is losing control over Ansar, tanks and artillery needed to guard soldiers entering camp for daily head count.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Liberian President Doe begins 4-day visit to Israel, first by African head of state since 1972; Arens meets three West Bank and Gaza political leaders in Tel Aviv.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PFLP-GC commandos supporting Arafat take over training post at Bedawi refugee camp in northern Lebanon after battle with opposing PFLP-GC faction.

Military Action:

Druze residents of Aley resist Lebanese Army patrol on reconnaissance mission.

Casualties:

2 Druze killed by army vehicle, 4 Druze, 14 Lebanese soldiers wounded in Aley; 3 shops selling Israeli produce blown up in Nabatieh; IDF wounds civilian curfew breaker; US Marines report incidents of harassment during patrols of Shi'ite neighborhoods; Ansar prisoners begin hunger strike.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Labor Party leadership endorses proposal for 2-stage IDF withdrawal, an immediate pullback from Beirut and Chouf mountains, followed by complete withdrawal in 2-3 months, with Haddad and MNF forces occupying security strip.

UN: Secretary-General tells Security Council that recruitment and arming of village militias by IDF poses major problem for UNIFIL.

Military Action:

Artillery fire exchanged between Phalangist and Druze militias in Souk al-Gharb and Aitat villages; IDF reports 3 attacks, no casualties: RPGs fired at convoy, small arms fire at military police HQ and roadside bomb as convoy passes near Ansar prison camp; fighting in Tripoli between pro- and anti-Syrian groups.

Casualties:

1 person killed, 15 injured in Tripoli fighting.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese parliament approves troop withdrawal agreement by 65-2 vote, with 4 abstentions.

US and Other Countries: Weinberger says US-Israel memorandum of understanding on strategic cooperation against Soviet threats in Middle East, suspended since December 1981, could be restored any time Israeli government wishes.

Military Action:

IDF and Syrian tanks reportedly exchange fire in Beqaa valley, IDF denies report; IAF planes practice dives over Tyre, fly into Syrian airspace; light arms fire at IDF convoy near Nabatieh.

Casualties:

Mass escape from Ansar camp reported, IDF tanks and helicopter gunships lead search, IDF denies escapes; Shi'ite religious and political leaders appeal to UN over IDF siege of Deir Qanoun an-Nahr, where 200 residents arrested after Friday's bomb attack; 2 Palestinians, said to be collaborators, killed in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IMF report on Israeli economy predicts $6.2 b. trade deficit for 1985 if present policies continue.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat meets PLO officers in eastern Beqaa, says joint Lebanese-Palestinian higher command has been formed to coordinate operations against IDF in Lebanon.

Military Action:

IDF patrol attacked northeast of Tyre; 2 APCs and checkpoint near Sidon attacked.

Casualties:

3 IDF soldiers killed, 7 wounded, 1 captured in Lebanese National Resistance Front (LNRF) attack near Tyre, 250 suspects held; IDF releases some Lebanese civilians arrested during past 2 weeks; explosion in Baalbek kills Lebanese security chief of Popular Struggle Front, support- ing anti-Arafat forces in PLO; PLO places 6 IDF prisoners in solitary confinement after 3 prisoners at Ansar killed by guards, IDF denies deaths.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon calls for commission to investigate Cabinet activity and decisions during Lebanon war.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Jumblatt says there can be no reconciliation with Christians unless major constitutional changes occur.

Arab Governments: Qadhafi meets King Hussein in Amman.

US and Other Countries: Reagan tells ADL meeting US will be rock of support for Israel, calls on American Jewish leaders to support his Central American policy against same forces that are destabilizing the Middle East: the Soviet Union, Libya and the PLO, working hand in glove with Cuba.

Military Action:

Bomb explodes near IDF patrol between Tyre and Sidon, unreported number of casualties, road closed; 2 rockets explode near IDF positions south of Beirut.

Casualties:

4 IDF prisoners held by PLO say they are in good health and are well treated; demonstrations by Ansar prisoners continue, Gemayel says all innocent detainees should be released.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Ambassador to US denies charge that water resources were aim of Lebanon war; Druze religious leader in Israel asks Foreign Minister to protect Lebanese Druze from harassment by Phalangists.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat travels to North Yemen.

Arab Governments: Qadhafi visits North Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

US and Other Countries: State Dept. officials and senior US Middle East diplomats meet in Washington to discuss policy; European Parliament calls on EEC to resume normal relations with Israel and lift economic sanctions imposed in June 1982, also supports financial and material aid to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

Casualties:

Prisoners at Ansar camp burn tents, throw stones at guards, shout slogans, IDF surrounds but does not enter camp.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Armed units from PFLP-GC, Abu Nidal and Iranian Revolutionary Guards reportedly join Fateh rebel position in Beqaa; Arafat says PLO will fight for independence of Palestinian decision-making.

US and Other Countries: US reportedly urges Israel to hold its present positions in Lebanon until Syria agrees to withdraw its troops

Military Action:

Druze militia and Lebanese Army exchange fire in Beirut; IDF vehicle attacked by bazooka fire west of Ansar camp.

Casualties:

Maronite archbishop of Tyre kidnapped by Druze forces, later released after intercession of President Gemayel; between 83 and 104 kidnap victims exchanged, estimated 25 remain unaccounted for in Chouf; Lebanese Army arrests 17 Druze militiamen after Beirut battle; 1 IDF soldier killed, 1 wounded in bazooka attack; IDF releases 3 Syrian detainees from Ansar for health reasons.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: PM Begin opposes deadline for Syrian withdrawal or for unilateral IDF redeployment; IDF and Interior Ministry agree to establish 2 new border police companies, of 100 each, in West Bank; Health Ministry issues doctors with back to work orders, threatens to put them under military orders, doctors agree to resume negotiations; suspect in grenade attack that killed Peace Now activist February 10 remanded for 15 days in Jerusalem.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: DFLP leader Hawatmeh says Syria should impose economic blockade on Lebanon to force Lebanese bourgeoisie to decide whether its true interests lie with Israel or the Arabs; Arafat says Qaddafi seeks to split Palestinian revolution, will not succeed; 5 dissident Fateh officers refuse orders placing them under Arafat's command.

US and Other Countries: Coalition of trade unionists, political figures, and Palestinians in Quebec sends telegram to Prime Minister Trudeau asking him to forbid former Israeli Defense Minister Sharon from entering Canada on June 1 for fund raising campaign.

Military Action:

Syrian forces fire on IDF tractor and APC in Bekaa Valley.

Casualties:

Suspect in assassination of Bashir Gemayel handed over to Lebanese judicial authorities by Phalange militiamen holding him since September; IDF separates Lebanese and Palestinian detainees at Ansar detention camp.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Government reportedly plans to move thousands of residents out of West Bank refugee camps, will offer them grants to build homes on land placed at their disposal by government, seeks financial support for plan from other governments and from international Zionist organizations; 2 women in Galilee village of Arraba arrested on security charges; British Ambassador in Israel summoned to Foreign Ministry for severe condemnation of recent British statements on Middle East and meeting between Foreign Office Minister and PLO official in Tunis; 350 dunums of land seized at Umar, West Bank village near Gush Emunim settlement of Migdal Oz; West Bank Union of Chambers of Commerce defies High Court decision, will not collect value added tax.

US and Other Countries: After 4-hour meeting with Mubarak, Shultz says US and Egypt hold identical views on withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon; State Dept. official says Israel and Lebanon have agreed on 95% of a withdrawal plan, Haddad's role is main obstacle; 3,000 attend memorial service in Washington for Americans killed in Beirut Embassy, at least 7 CIA employees reportedly among those killed in the explosion.