The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided at-Tuba and Wadi Ijheish in the Masafer Yatta area, assaulting Palestinians and stealing 6 sheep and agricultural equipment. Israeli settlers also raided Qaryut, vandalizing property. Israeli forces shot and killed 5 Palestinians during raids in Askar refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bayt Rima, Balata refugee camp, and Tammun. Israeli forces also shot and injured 38 people, including at least 3 children, during raids in Tammun, Dheisheh refugee camp, Balata refugee camp, ‘Urif, Askar refugee camp, Nablus, and Bayt Rima. Meanwhile, Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home in Askar refugee camp of a Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces in Nablus in May; the man was accused of taking part in the killing of 3 Israeli settlers in April. Israeli forces also punitively demolished the family home of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in Burqa and delivered a punitive demolition notice to the family of a Palestinian killed in Rumana. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed land near Abu Basal to expand a nearby settlement. Israeli forces also closed the Dream Radio station in Hebron, threating to destroy its contents if it did not stop broadcasting. 35 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, Tubas, Salfit, and Tulkarm. The PA Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs said more than 1,590 Palestinian have been arrested in the West Bank since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians in Silwan, igniting a fire and causing injuries. In Gaza, some communications were restored after being cut off by Israel on 10/27. At least 302 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks. Islamic Jihad said Israel has assassinated 1 of its senior political officials, Taysir Alghouti, and killed several members of his family in Rafah. Islamic Jihad also said it attacked some Israeli military vehicles in Gaza. 2 Israeli soldiers were injured by a mortar shell in Gaza. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Hanita, Islamic Jihad said 2 al-Quds Brigades fighters had been killed during an operation near the Blue Line. In Lebanon, Hezbollah said it had downed an Israeli drone. (AJ, HA 10/28; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/29; AP, AJ 10/30)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 8,005 Palestinians have been killed, including around 5,000 women and children, and 20,242 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. 1,800 Palestinians, including 940 children, have been reported missing. In addition, media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 115 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 33 children. More than 2,150 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. The bodies of 62 unidentified Palestinians were buried in a mass grave near al-Shifa Hospital. It was the third time Palestinians in Gaza had to resort to burying Palestinians killed by Israel in a mass grave since 10/7. 33 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. Israel opened a second water pipe to Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said Israel has ordered it to evacuate al-Quds Hospital; airstrikes later damaged the hospital as well as the al-Shifa and Indonesian hospitals. UNRWA said the slow flow of aid has prompted thousands of Palestinians in Gaza to take food supplies from its warehouses. The UN said nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been displaced from their homes in the West Bank since 10/7 due to Israeli settler attacks and Israeli military demolitions. (AJ 10/28; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/29; AJ, AJ, AP, WAFA 10/30)

Save the Children said more children have been killed in Gaza in the past 3 weeks than the total number of children killed in conflicts around the world since 2019, saying so far 3,324 have been killed in Gaza and 36 in the West Bank. (AJ 10/29; AJ 10/30)

A Palestinian citizen of Israel, actress Maisa Abd Elhadi, was charged by Israel with incitement to terrorism and expressing solidarity with a terrorist organization for an Instagram post. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel directed the Population and Immigration Authority to determine if he could revoke her citizenship. Elhadi was arrested on 10/12. (HA 10/30)

Reporters Without Borders said their investigation into the Israeli killing of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah on 10/13 in Lebanon concluded that Israel intentionally targeted him and other journalists. (AJ 10/28; REU 10/29; AJ 10/30; AP 10/31)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant signed an order to place the settler activist Ariel Danino on administrative detention for 4 months for his involvement in settler attacks on Palestinians. (HA 10/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Bahraini foreign inister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani in Ramallah. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki spoke with UK foreign secretary James Cleverly. (WAFA, WAFA 10/29)

A leaked internal U.S. State Department memo recommended that President Joe Biden pressure Israel to allow more aid to enter Gaza, estimating that 52,000 pregnant women and 30,000 babies were drinking brackish or contaminated water due to the lack of water in Gaza. (HA 10/29; AJ 10/30)

The Washington Post reported that the U.S. pressured Israel to turn communications back on in Gaza. (AJ 10/30)

International Committee of the Red Cross president Mirjana Spoljaric said “[i]t is unacceptable that civilians have no safe place to go in Gaza amid the massive bombardments, and with a military siege in place there is also no adequate humanitarian response currently possible. This is a catastrophic failing that the world must not tolerate.” (HA 10/28)

30 Israeli human rights and civil society organizations urged the international community to “act urgently to stop the state-backed wave of settler violence which has led, and is leading to, the forcible transfer of Palestinian communities in the West Bank.” The French foreign ministry called on Israel to take action to protect Palestinians in the West Bank. (AJ 10/28; HA, WAFA 10/29)

President Biden told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that more humanitarian aid has to enter Gaza immediately. Before the 2 spoke, U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said Israel “has a responsibility to rein in the settlers.” Sullivan also said Israel must distinguish between “terrorist targets” and civilians and claimed Hamas was using human shields. Biden also spoke with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. (AJ 10/28; AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 10/29)

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said, “the world is witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe taking place before our eyes,” in reference to the situation in Gaza. (AJ 10/28; HA 10/29)

Pope Francis called for a ceasefire and the release of the Hamas-held captives. (HA, REU 10/29)

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan visited the Rafah crossing, saying the ICC has ongoing investigations into potential war crimes committed by Hamas and Israel. Khan said impeding aid to Gaza could constitute a war crime. (AJ 10/28; AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 10/29; AJ 10/30)

Jordan said it has asked the U.S. to deploy the Patriot air defense system in Jordan. (AJ 10/28; REU 10/29)

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were held in many cities across the world, including in Islamabad, Beirut, Berlin, Madrid, Athens, and Ottawa. (AJ 10/28; AJ, REU, WAFA 10/29)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor using rubber-coated bullets in al-Janiya. Israeli settlers also damaged and uprooted 130 olive seedings in al-Rihaya south of Hebron. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition in Far‘un. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Umar, Yatta, Bethlehem, al-Walaja, Kaubar, Silwad, Tell, Qabalan, ‘Azun, al-Twana, and Jenin; during a house raid in al-Twana, 1 Palestinian 5-year-old got a black eye during the raid on her home. In East Jerusalem, around 120 Israeli settlers with military escort raided the Haram al-Sharif compound for the 2d day in a row. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian after he allegedly stabbed and injured 1 settler and 1 soldier near Shaykh Jarrah. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan, Jabal al-Mukabir, Shu‘fat, and the Old City. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians injured in Israeli air strikes on Bayt Hanun on 5/11 succumbed to their injuries and 4 Palestinians were found dead in rubble from Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 253 to 259, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/24; HA, MEMO, WAFA 5/25; PCHR 5/27)

3 Jewish-Israelis were charged with terrorism after severely beating 1 Palestinian-Israeli man on 5/12 in Bat Yam. The Palestinian man was pulled from his car and beaten by a large mob of Jewish-Israelis while an Israeli TV crew filmed the incident as it was unfolding. 6 people were for the attack, while TV footage show the faces of several others beating the man who have not been arrested. (HA 5/24; HA 5/26)

The Palestinian Prisoners Society said Israel had issued 155 administrative detention orders since the beginning of May. (WAFA 5/24)

AP reported that 17 journalists in Gaza had their WhatsApp accounts blocked since 5/21. WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, which has been accused of silencing Palestinian voices. WhatsApp is considered an important tool for sharing information among journalists and activists. (AP 5/24; AJ, F24, NAT, TOI 5/25; AJ, MEMO 5/26)

Iran said it would allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to continue monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities for 1 additional month after a previous agreement expired. (AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 5/24)

U.S. president Joe Biden spoke to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, thanking him for his role in mediating the Hamas-Israel ceasefire that went into effect on 5/21. The 2 also discussed rebuilding Gaza. (HILL, REU 5/24; AJ, NAT 5/25)

A U.S. federal court ruled a 2016 Georgia law, prohibiting state contracts with people who engage in boycotts of Israel, unconstitutional. The lawsuit was brought by 2 U.S. rights organizations on behalf of journalist Abby Martin. (MEMO 5/25)

In an attempt to deflect from international outcry, Belarus said it had forced a Ryanair plane traveling from Athens to Vilnius to land in Minsk because a bomb threat in the name of Hamas was made against it. Hamas denied the allegation. In the incident, which happened on 5/23, Belarusian warplanes forced the commercial jet to land in Minsk for Belarusian forces to arrest a passenger who runs a website for opponents of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko. (HA 5/24; MEMO 5/26)

An AMB gunman ambushes, fatally shoots a Jewish settler security chief patrolling around Itamar settlement in the West Bank, is then shot dead by other security guards; the IDF later blows up the gunman’s home in nearby Bayt Furik. The IDF also continues operations in Gaza City, bulldozing 700 dunams of land, demolishing several Palestinian homes, firing on Palestinians, wounding 4 before withdrawing later in the day; fires on residential areas of Aida r.c., Bayt Furik, Tal al-Sultan, Yatta; raids, fires on stone-throwing youths in Balata r.c., Tulkarm r.c. and town; conducts arrest raids, house searches in al-Khadir, Bayt Sahur; shells an electricity tower in Rafah, cutting electricity to some neighborhoods and Brazil r.c. The IDF also fires warning shots at a Spanish emb. vehicle at the Abu Huli checkpoint in Gaza; Spain lodges a formal complaint, saying it had received Israeli approval for the trip. (NYT, WP 8/14; PCHR 8/19) The 20th summer Olympics opens in Athens. Palestine is represented by 2 track and-field athletes, 1 swimmer. The International Olympic Comm. (IOC) 1st recognized Palestine in 1934, but rescinded recognition in 1948, when it recognized Israel. After the signing of the Oslo Accord in 1993, the IOC recognized Palestine again. Palestinian teams have competed in the summer Olympics in Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000). (PR 8/18, 8/25)

In Athens, Israel, the PA hold their 1st public high-level talks since Sharon took office. Israeli FM Peres, PA Planning M Shaath, PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat discuss the Jordanian-Egyptian nonpaper, agree to resume security talks. Peres reiterates Sharon's position that negotiations cannot resume until all Palestinian violence ceases but does not reject the nonpaper outright. (BBC, HA, MM 4/4; QA 4/4 in WNC 4/5; HA, MM, NYT, REU, WP 4/5; AYM 4/5 in WNC 4/6; QA 4/5 in WNC 4/12; MEI, MM 4/6)

This evening, senior PA, Israeli security officials hold talks at the home of U.S. Amb. Martin Indyk in Herzilya, Israel; a CIA official sits in as a "nonparticipant observer" (see 3/21). When the PA team returns to Gaza, IDF troops fire on their convoy as it passes through the Erez crossing, injuring 2 bodyguards. The PA says the IDF attempted to assassinate the security chiefs; the IDF says troops thought they were being shot at fr. the convoy, "acted appropriately." (BBC, HA 4/4; HA, MM, NYT, REU, WP 4/5; AYM 4/5 in WNC 4/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/6; al-Quds 4/6 in WNC 4/9; MM 4/9; MA 4/9 in WNC 4/10; AYM 4/9, XIN 4/10 in WNC 4/11; QA 4/11 in WNC 4/14; MEI 4/20; DUS 4/27 in WNC 4/30)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Palestinians fire homemade mortars at Netzarim settlement, causing no damage. In return, the IDF fires mortars at a PSF post in Gaza. The IDF also directs heavy machine gun fire at Palestinian residential areas of al-Mughraga. Nr. Hebron, a tank overturns, killing 5 IDF soldiers, injuring 1. The IDF bulldozes 4 more Palestinian homes in Anata; 4 in Hebron; 3 homes, a warehouse, an animal pen in Jinin; 1 home in Bethlehem. In Gaza, Jewish settlers fr. Gush Katif, Kefar Darom block Saladin Road, throw stones at Palestinian cars, threaten passengers with machine guns. (LAW, PMC 4/4; NYT 4/5; MM 4/6)

With the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence, Jordan bans any demonstrations, public rallies in Amman, the scene of pro-Palestinian protests in recent mos. (REU 4/4; JT 4/5 in WNC 4/6)

After being briefed by Erakat on his 8/1 mtg. with Sher, Arafat accuses Israel of a breach of trust, saying Israel is trying to "avoid the accurate and honest implementation of what has been agreed upon" under Wye. (NYT 8/3; MA, al-Quds 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MM 8/6)

Israeli PM Barak meets with Russian pres. Boris Yeltsin in Moscow for talks on the peace process, urges Russia to halt transfer of military technology to Iran, Iraq. (MM 8/2; Interfax, ITAR-TASS, NTV [Moscow] 8/2 in WNC 8/3; NYT 8/3; MM 8/4; Ekho Moskvy 8/6 in WNC 8/9)

In Cairo, PFLP closes 2 days of reconciliation talks with Fatah, PC mbrs. Although PFLP's Habash refuses to meet with Arafat, both groups describe the mtg. as a positive, agree to set up a follow-up comm. to outline principles of a comprehensive national dialogue that would create a unified position on final status talks with Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 8/2; al-Arabi, al-Quds 8/2 in WNC 8/5; MM, WT 8/3; al-Sha`b 8/6 in WNC 8/9; AYM 8/8 in WNC 8/10; MM 8/9) (see 7/30)

Israeli Finance M Shohat, PA Trade M Mahir al-Masri discuss Wye articles on economic issues, resuming mtgs. of the joint Israeli-PA economic comm., which has not convened for 2 yrs. (AYM 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Israel's Environmental M Dalia Itzik tours Gaza with her PA counterpart Yusif Abu Safiyya. The pair discuss water pollution, destruction of green areas, possible joint projects. (NYT 8/4)

2-day Jordanian-Syrian Higher Comm. mtg. opens in Amman. Talks focus on economic relations. (JTV 8/2 in WNC 8/3; Petra-JNA, RJ 8/3, JT 8/4 in WNC 8/5) (see 7/22)

In Athens, a small homemade bomb explodes outside the offices of the Greece-Israeli Friendship Society, causing damage but no injuries. A caller claims responsibility on behalf of the previously unknown Black Star Group. (Athens News Agency 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Turkey's military dismisses 58 officers suspected of being antisecularist Islamists or leftists. (WP, WT 8/4)

A group of Israelis accosts 2 Jordanian embassy employees outside their Tel Aviv apartment. (al-Ra'i 12/29 in WNC 1/1)

In Athens, 4-day informal mtg. of 13 PC mbrs., 9 MKs opens. (YA 12/21 in WNC 12/23; YA 12/24 in WNC 12/29; WT 1/4)

GCC states end 3-day summit by appealing to Iran to enter "a new era" of cooperation. (NYT 12/21; WP 12/22; WP, WT 12/23; MEI 1/16)

Joint EA, PLO Exec. Comm. mtg. is held in Nablus. (VOP 7/20 in FBIS 7/22)

Israel lodges formal complaint with the PA over the arrest of Israeli Arabs by PA police in the self-rule areas, accuses police of stealing Israeli cars. (QY 7/19 in FBIS 7/19)

Nr. Nablus, more than 100 Palestinians tear down fences, throw stones at settlers who illegally confiscated Palestinian land for Karyut settlement. 10s of settlers attack Palestinians with clubs, destroy Palestinian cars, beat 3 journalists, confiscate film fr. their cameras. IDF fires teargas to break up clash, imposes curfew. (JMCC, QY 7/19 in FBIS 7/22; NYT 7/20)

Palestinian Omar Muhammad Ali Rizaq, who admitted killing 2 passengers (incl. 1 American) during a 1985 hijacking of an Egyptair flight fr. Athens to Malta, is convicted in the U.S. Rizaq was convicted, served 7 yrs. in Malta, and was released by Maltese officials before being arrested by U.S. agents in Nigeria in 1993. He was tried under U.S. antiterrorism statues that permit prosection when Americans are victims. (NYT 7/20)

Secy. of State Christopher opens ninth round of peace talks in Washington, urging parties to focus on substance, not procedure. Syrian delegation head Muwaffaq al-'Allaf and Palestinian delegate Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi say separately that Israel presented nothing new to their respective delegations. (SARR 4/27, Qol Yisra'el 4/28 in FBIS 4/28; WT 4/28)

Israel proposes transferring some powers, including budgetary and police, to o.t. authority as talks proceed, to demonstrate to Palestinians that talks produce tangible results. (MM 4/29)

Two-day UN-supervised Israeli-Palestinian conf. on status of Jerusalem ends in Athens. Labor MK Ya'el Dayan and PLO official Sami Musallam were among the participants. (Qol Yisra'el 4/28 in FBIS 4/28)

Strike in o.t., Palestinian camps called by 10 Palestinian rejectionist factions is widely observed (see 4/25). (RFL 4/27 in FBIS 4/27; WT 4/28)

Top-level PLO delegation, comprising Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi, Information Dept. Head Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, Exec. Comm. members Mustafa al-Zibri (Abu 'Ali Mustafa), Sulayman al-Najab, meets with Pres. al-Asad in Damascus, Meeting seen as part of recent efforts to improve PLO-Syrian relations in wake of diplomatic setback faced by PLO after Gulf war. (NYT 5/29)

Delegation also meets with officials of dissident Palestinian National Salvation Front in Damascus. Meeting centers on reconciliation between PLO and PNSF. At PLO insistence, Col. Sa'id Musa Muragha's (Abu Musa) Fateh-Uprising group not represented. Reconciliation efforts come during increased PLO-Syrian dialogue. (MEM 5/17; NYT, MEM 5/29; CSM 5/30)

Hizballah leader 'Abbas al-Musawi claims his group holds two Israeli prisoners, but Israel has failed to meet conditions for their release. States Israel willing to release Lebanese prisoners it held only; Hizballah demanded release of Palestinian prisoners as well. Israeli Def. Min. Arens expressed optimism over prospects for possible prisoner exchange. (WP 5/28)

Israel convicts Palestinian Fu'ad Hasan al-Shar' of participating in 1983 attempt to blow up airliner belonging to Israeli state airline El Al. Al-Shari' sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. (WP 5/28)

Greek appeals committee upheld Italy's request to extradite 'Abd al-Rahim Khalid, Palestinian sentenced in abstentia to life imprisonment in 1987 by court in Genoa for alleged role in October 1985 hijacking of Italian ship Achille Lauro. Khalid, arrested 5/5 in Athens, faces two more avenues of appeal before extradition can proceed. (NYT 5/29) 

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: Palestinian youth from Beach camp wounded in 12/11 clash with Israeli troops dies in Gaza hospital [NYT 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Def. Min. Rabin returns from U.S. visit [NYT 12/23]. Al-Fajr Arabic daily resumes publication after 10-day closure [FJ 12/27]. Arab and Israeli Hebrew U. students demonstrate outside Knesset in solidarity with Palestinians in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 12/27]. Military extends closure of Gaza's Islamic U. and Palestine Religious Institute until 12/27 [FJ 12/27]. Israel releases 60 Gazans arrested during recent demonstrations [FJ 12/27].

Arab World: In Cairo, 'Ayn Shams U. students demonstrate in support of Palestinian uprising in the occupied territories [FBIS 12/29].

Other Countries: UN Security Council meeting on recent violence in the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip, W. Bank adjourns after PLO and some Arab governments push for more strongly worded resolution against Israel [NYT 12/22]. Midhat Hilali, Arab League official, is shot, wounded by unknown assailant in Athens [FJ 12/27]. Ibrahim Khalid, Palestinian gunman who survived December 1985 attack on Leonardo da Vinci airport, refuses to attend his trial [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inside the green line, hundreds of thousands of Arabs join general strike in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories. Israeli police, border guards respond to large demonstrations with tear gas, water cannons. About 200 Palestinians are arrested; 17 Israeli police, border guards injured [WP 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Stone-throwing, tire-burning crowds of demonstrators are reported in Jaffa, Nazareth, Lydda, Ramlah, and Abu Ghawsh. IDF troops fire on West Bank Palestinian crowds throwing Molotov cocktails, killing at least 2 in Jenin-area town of Tubas and 1 in Jenin. At least 22 are wounded by gunfire [NYT, WP 12/22]. Official Israeli death toll of Palestinians killed since 12/9 is now at 19 [CSM 12/22].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA forces raid Hizballah-held villages in S. Lebanon [FJ 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel Radio announces Israeli occupation authorities have appointed fourth Arab mayor, Tahir Hijazi, as mayor of 'Anabta municipality in Tulkarm district (FBIS 10/24). Jerusalem Post reports total of four Palestinians have been arrested in connection with 10/15 Jerusalem bombing (JP 10/22).

Arab World: In Lebanon, kidnappers release Lebanese Christian AUB professor after five month detention (NYT 10/23).

Other Countries: Car bomb in Athens kills high-ranking PLO official Munthir Abu Ghazalah (NYT 10/22).

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: King Hussein, in U.S. for twin daughters' college graduation, meets President Reagan: "climate for progress is not good" for M.E. peace [NYT 6/10]. PLO official Khalid Nazal shot dead in Athens street [NYT 6/11]. Greek security sources reportedly blame Mossad agents [FJ 7/20], PLO blames CIA and Mossad. Jerusalem Post identifies victim as a DFLP official [JP 6/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Radio Monte Carlo reports WAFA (the Palestine News Agency) offices in Amman were closed following King Hussein's suspension of joint peace efforts with the PLO; Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) states PLO office in Amman has remained open, PLO is no longer responsible for handling security and passport problems of PLO personnel, they are now being processed by Jordanian security services, like Jordanian nationals; Abu Jihad states 1 PLO official has been expelled from Jordan, another turned back at Amman airport 2 weeks ago [JP 4/3; FJ 4/4].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. spokesman Bernard Kalb confirms U.S. and Israel have begun discussion of "Marshall Plan" for the M.E.; Israeli govt. sources say Pres. Mubarak is interested in the idea, Israelis have also raised it with W. Germans; U.S. officials say priority isbeing given to interesting W. German and Japanese leaders in the plan [NYT, JP 4/3].

Military Action

Other Countries: Bomb explodes aboard TWA jet en route from Rome to Athens, killing 4 and wounding 9; group called Arab Revolutionary Cells claims responsibility, states attack was in retaliation for U.S. attacks on Libya [NYT, WP 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: During the past weeks, 4 Palestinian factions opposed to mainstream PLO leadership condemned the PLO's 3/8 reply to King Hussein's 2/19 speech and called for total abrogation of the 11 February Amman agreement [FJ 3/14].

Other Countries: Greek court sentences 25-year-old Palestinian to 10.5 years for aborted attempt to assassinate senior Jordanian diplomat in Athens in 1984; police say 'Amir Mabruki was connected with Black September organization [LT 3/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli security forces find body of Israeli soldier David Manos, who had disappeared 6/11/84, in a cave in the West Bank [CT 3/26; JTA 3/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Farmers from Surif and Jib'a villages near Hebron claim settlers have recently prevented them from entering 2,000 dunums of their land planted with olive and other trees [JP 9/4].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with 'Usama al-Baz, Pres. Mubarak's chief political advisor UP 9/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldier Avraham Sorek, 37, stabbed to death, another soldier seriously wounded by two unidentified men in Hebron's old marketplace. Hebron declared "closed military area"; many arrests reported. Sorek is 15th Israeli killed this year, allegedly by Palestinian guerrillas [NYT, WP, LAT, FT 9/4; LT 9/5].

Arab World: Fighting breaks out between Palestinian and Shi'ite militiamen around Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp in southem Beirut [MG 9/12]. Car bomb explodes at a South Lebanon Army checkpost; Israeli sources say only the driver, Ahmad Husayn Khadr, 24, is killed. Pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility, states 30 SLA militiamen died in attack [WP, NYT, PI 9/4]. Beirut radio states SLA gunners shell 10 villages in retaliation [WP 9/4].

Other Countries: Attacker believed to be linked to Black September organization throws two hand grenades into Greek hotel, injuring 18 British tourists. Woman telephones Greek newspaper threatening Black September will "fill Athens with bombs" unless Greek police release Palestinian arrested 8/31 near Jordanian embassy with suitcase full of weapons [PI 9/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel Radio and TV broadcast code words alerting thousands of military reservists to units as part of a call-up exercise to test mobilization procedures [FT 6/14]. Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics reports inflation rose by 6.8 percent in May [FT 6/15].

Arab World: Talks continue in Aden, South Yemen, between PFLP, DFLP, and Fateh to achieve rapprochement [FJ 6/14]. Three Lebanese Shi'a hijack TWA airliner in Athens, order it to Beirut, Algiers, then Beirut, Hijackers' demands include freeing of 766 Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel [NYT 6/15]. U.S. antiterrorist Delta Force squad sent to aircraft carrier U. S. S. Enterprise in eastern Mediterranean [LT 6/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Najah U. officials condemn 4/22 seizure of university-owned land by IDF as attempt to expand nearby Jnaid prison [FJ 4/26].

Other Countries: In Athens, former Austrian PM Bruno Kreisky, Western diplomats announce Israel to exchange 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for 3 IDF soldiers captured in 1982 and held by PFLP-GC; ICRC serving as intermediary [LAT 4/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian taxi driver shot, killed in Jerusalem with IDF-issue rifle; authorities fear revenge killing in response to 4/19 killing of Israeli taxi driver [JP 4/24]. IDF court in Lydda convicts Ahmad Safuri of 4/16/84 grenade attack on IDF base which injured one soldier [JP 4/24].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces evacuate hills overlooking Sidon [MG 4/24]. IDF kill 2 resistance fighters on Jabal Baruk. RPG fired at IDF post near Saleh. RPG fired at IDF position in Burj al-Shamali. Shots fired at IDF vehicle in Qasmiya region; no IDF casualties in any of the actions [JP 4/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In visit to settlers in Katif, DM Rabin asserts Gaza "must remain an inseparable part of the state of Israel" [JTA 3/22].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan indicates US willingness to meet with joint PalestinianJordanian delegation (as proposed by Pres. Mubarak) as long as it contains no PLO members; reiterates opposition to direct US role in peace talks [WP, WSJ 3/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Car stoned in Nablus; no injuries [JP 3/22].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF cross 1st-stage withdrawal line, raid Humin al-Tahta, Jabaa, Sarba, Jal al- 'Arab, Rumin, Ankun, Kafr Malki, Kafr Fila; 23 killed, including CBS journalists Tawfiq Ghazawi, Bashir Matni (killed when IDF tank fired upon their car, marked as a camera car); 32 homes destroyed; resistance forces engage IDF; 1 Israeli wounded. IDF also raid Srifa, Janata. IDF soldier wounded 3/8 dies [NYT, JTA, WP 3/22, NYT 3/23]. Roadside bombs explode near IDF vehicles near Ma'roub, 'Arab Salim, al-Bazouriya; no injuries. SLA patrol fired upon near Jarjoura; no casualties [JTA 3/22].

Other Countries: Alia Royal Jordanian Airlines offices in Rome, Athens, Nicosia bombed; 5 employees injured; Black September claims responsibility [TS 3/22].

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military sources announce plans to expel Palestinian leader Abu Ali Shahin held incommunicado for past 11 months on charges of illegal residence in Gaza. After 2-week study, IMF delegation endorses Israel Treasury policies. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Amin Tarif criticizes Golani Druze for demonstrating in Nabi Shu'eib against Israeli occupation. French national Henri Eichholtzer given 4-year sentence for passing informaiton to PLO; evidence convicting Eichholtzer allegedly found among documents looted from Beirut by IDF. Suspended al-Najah U.'s Council of Deans issues statement of concern over restriction on academic life.

Arab World: In New York Times interview, King Hussein rules out direct negotiations with Israel in near future and says US lost all credibility as mediator by its lopsided policy.

Other Countries: At New York fundraiser, MK Sharon warns arms sold to Jordan will only aim at Israel, and US "must stop immediately the dangerous arms race in the Middle East." Greek police arrest Palestinian Alani Abdul Rahim charged with assassination attempt on Israeli diplomatic mission head in Athens.

Military Action:

Mortar and machine gun fire from unidentified sources directed at LAF position near Khaldeh; artillery and RPG fire exchanged in Beirut suburbs of Ain Rummaneh and Chiah; US Marines placed on highest state of alert as mortars fall near compound; car bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes southeast of Tyre.

Casualties:

2 IDF soldiers wounded in car bomb explosion.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Cabinet meets in emergency session, states that efforts to arrange time and place for national reconciliation talks remain unsuccessful; 45 more LAF officers and soldiers join other "conscientious objectors" at Hammana Barracks, refuse to take part in LAF operations until national agreement on use of LAF is achieved, accuse LAF of giving US-provided weapons, ammunition, and artillery target coordinates to Phalange militia; 23 Fateh military staff officers in Damascus defect to PLO rebels.

US and Other Countries: Greek PM meets Jumblatt in Athens.

Military Action:

Druze and Christian militia resume artillery battles in Chouf after kidnappings of at least 20 persons Friday night.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Lt. Col. Mahmoun Muraish, senior aide to Abu Jihad, assassinated in Athens; 3 Lebanese cabinet ministers travel to Tripoli and Ehden for discussions on reconciliation with leaders of National Salvation Front.

Military Action:

Phalange forces, backed by IDF, have artillery duels with Syrian-supported Lebanese leftist militia; Phalange-Druze conflicts reported (nephew of Gemayel reportedly killed); Muslim/Christian conflicts around Tripoli; 2 Israeli generals visit Jumblatt's center, demand that his forces surrender artillery and mortars; Phalange moves into Chouf and Sidon, replacing Lebanese gendarmerie; Israeli jets hold mock battles over Beirut, dropping flares over Palestinian refugee camps; PLO bolsters positions inside W. Beirut; Phalange shoot from behind IDF lines.

Casualties:

Israeli government developing plans for security of southern Lebanon not involving international help (arms and uniforms given to villagers); observers report more physical damage in Tyre than Sidon (where casualties higher); Lebanese bankers protest IDF attempt to violate bank secrecy in Sidon; IDF asks Druze/Phalange leaders to stop fighting between followers (Phalange reportedly using arms against Druze; IDF caught in cross-fire); villages of Jumblatt refuse to be disarmed (Druze Likud Knesset member asks Sharon to restrain Phalangists "who draw their strength from the Defense Minister").

UNRWA reports that 50 percent of houses in 6 Palestinian refugee camps near Sidon/Tyre are destroyed, 40 percent of refugees have fled, UNRWA convoy scheduled to leave Jerusalem for Tyre today (draws on stocks in Gaza and West Bank); two-thirds of two camps near Tyre destroyed (no clear report on third camp); Ain el-Hilweh reportedly "virtually wiped out," Rashidiyeh suffers less damage; 200,000 tons of aid from France, West Germany, Denmark waiting in Cyprus for IDF permission to ship; Canadian physician who worked in Sidon says 50 percent of 10,000 killed by IDF invasion were children under 13 (his hospital was bombed 4 times, he saw pellet bombs dropped on refugee camps, and saw Palestinian prisoners beaten with clubs and metal-tipped whips).

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin disagrees with message from Haig that PLO should be allowed token political presence in Lebanon if Lebanon agrees (says that despite his statement in the US that Israel had no intention of entering Beirut, with IDF on Beirut's periphery "it was another matter," and urges Beirut residents to "flee for your lives"); Israeli Cabinet agrees to give negotiations more time, extends "deadline"; officials indicate Saudi plans for airlift might be acceptable; Foreign Ministry condemns EEC call for involvement of PLO in negotiations; Labor Alignment resolution opposing military action in Beirut gets 47 votes (Likud resolution gets 60, reference to multinational policing of 28-mile zone conspicuously absent); cost of war put at $2.5 billion for Israel ($1 b. in direct costs, $1.5 b. in indirect costs from resultant economic slowdown; equals 10-15 percent of GNP); IDF service extension for those essential for war effort being discussed; officials claim PLO takes advantage of peace negotiations; 200 protest Israeli invasion near Prime Minister's office (including 15 reservists back from Lebanon, who say they have signatures of 200 soldiers opposed to the war); trial of 20 Palestinian youths for guerrilla actions begins in Lydda and Ramal-lah; Israeli Druze leader asks Begin to restrain Phalange attacks on Lebanese Druze.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Phalange party plans to nominate Bashir Gemayel for Lebanese President; negotiations stall as no Arab countries indicate willingness to accept all PLO fighters; Lebanese continue to flee Beirut, leaving streets deserted; Wazzan puts civilian deaths at 15,000 (IDF Colonel Kadar says deaths number only a few thousand-in excess of 440 civilian deaths cited by Begin last week); Wazzan, after meeting with Habib, rejects Israeli conditions; PLO forces in Tripoli vow to fight on regardless of any settlement in-volving PLO forces in Beirut; PLO privately reiterates willingness to leave Lebanon (form of evacuation and surrender of arms left un-resolved); PLO meets with Salam.

Arab Govemments: Saudis reported active diplomatically; Arab League representatives meet in Taif to continue discussion of common approach to IDF invasion (includes Syrian, Saudi, Lebanese, PLO, Algerian and Kuwaiti envoys).

US and Other Countries: Reagand enies giving Israel "green light" for invasion, says it resulted from PLO rocket attacks on Israel; Senator Percy says IDF invasion of W. Beirut would be "unacceptable" because of civilian casualties; State Department official warns of risk of renewed fighting if PLO and Lebanon do not come to terms soon; Haig sends message saying PLO should be allowed some political presence in Lebanon if Lebanese authorities agree; French Foreign Minister Cheysson, after meeting with Egyptian envoy Ghali, speaks of PLO as representing Palestinian people; Greek Ministry of Culture supervises huge concert in Athens to aid Palestinian children; Nigerian parliament passes resolution condemning Israel; protests held in cities in USSR; USSR accuses Israelis of using chemical weapons in Lebanon supplied by US.