The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Palestinians in the Jenin district observed a general strike in protest against the Israeli raid on 3/16 which killed 4 Palestinians and injured 23 others in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli settlers vandalized some 50 olive trees in Husan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man near al-Bireh, claiming that he had a knife in his hand. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 3 with live ammunition, 1 with a baton round, and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Lubban al-Gharbi, injuring 1 with concussion grenade shrapnel and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan and Kafr Qaddum, injuring 10 with tear gas in Bayt Dajan and 8 with baton rounds and others with tear gas in Kafr Qaddum. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces closed large parts of Sheikh Jarrah and the Old City for a settler marathon in the city. (AP, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/17; AJ 3/18; PCHR 3/23; UNOCHA 3/31)

Israel returned the body of a Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces on 3/23/2020 to his family. (WAFA 3/17)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah met with Islamic Jihad leader Ziyad al-Nakhalah in Lebanon. (HA, MEMO 3/19)

2 Israeli teenagers were indicted on terrorism charges for throwing Molotov cocktails at the Sidna Ali Mosque in Herzliya at the end of January earlier this year. (HA 3/17)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian farmer after they open fire from the border fence nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Also, overnight Israeli troops demolish the Jordan Valley community Makhoul, a village 1st destroyed on 9/16. (MNA, WAFA 10/2; PCHR 10/3)

Unnamed Palestinian officials say that hundreds of PA forces have deployed in the Jenin district, in responses to tensions rising in recent mos. that has included attacks on PA offices. (AP 10/2)

Egyptian security forces and Muslim Brotherhood supporters exchange gunfire in Suez, with 1 student dying in the clashes. (REU 10/2)

Two hundred and thirty Iranian parliamentarians, from a total of 290, issue a joint statement expressing support for Pres. Ruhani’s diplomatic efforts at the UN and internationally, including seeking a res. to the nuclear crisis. (REU 10/2)

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Palestinian Nationa! Action Command announces completion of investigation in 12/14 alleged PLO attack on Syrian military post in Lebanon, says 18 people involved in the incident have been arrested [FBIS 12/88].

Other Countries: In Paris, the European Community and 22 members of the Arab League plus a PLO representative resume formal dialogue on political and economic issues [NYT 12/23; CSM 12/22; FBIS 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During IDF operation in Jenin district village of Jaba' 2 Palestinians, a 15-year-old and a woman, are killed by troop gunfire. At least 7 others are wounded [FBIS 12/22].

At least 20 others are wounded in clashes throughout Gaza [FBIS 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political Occupied Palestine/Israel: Likud ministers David Levy and Ariel Sharon criticize IDF Chief of Staff Dan Shomron; Sharon demands demolition of all houses in Bayta, except those belonging to those who aided Israeli youths, and establishment of new settlement near village [WP 4/11]. Army spokesman announces it is investigating Palestinian charges that soldiers used bulldozers to damage more than 70 shops and houses in Bayt Ummar on 4/8. Army bulldozes 7 acres of olive trees near Bayta village [WP 4/11]. Israeli youths from group involved in Bayta clash meet with Trade Minister Sharon, criticize army's report of incident [NYT 4/11].

Other Countries: During meeting in Moscow, Gen. Sec. Mikhail Gorbachev urges PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat to recognize Israel's right to exist [WP 4/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops and Palestinians clash in several Jenin-district villages and camps. At least 86 are injured or affected by tear gas in Gaza Strip. At Jabalya refugee camp, protesters attack military post for 4th consecutive day. Demonstrations also erupt in Beach camp, Gaza City, and Rafah. Am'ari, Balatah, Jalazun, and 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camps as well as Bayta and Sa'ir villages are under curfew. Food shortages reported in Jalazun and Am'ari camps. Maythalun, Silat al-Harthiyyah, and Yamun are sealed off and report food shortages [FJ 4/17]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy arrives in Israel for meetings with P. M. Shamir. Director of UNRWA in Gaza accuses IDF of intensifying beatings in recent days. Gazan youth beaten 2/8 dies in Beersheba hospital; 3 Palestinians have died from military-inflicted beatings [NYT 2/10]. Closure of Birzeit U. is extended for another month [FJ 2/14]. Settlers from Ma'aleh Adomim, between Jerusalem and Jericho, raid neighboring village of al-'Azzariyyah (Bethany), attacking houses, breaking doors and windows [FJ 2/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian is shot, killed in 'Attil, village near Tulkarm [NYT 2/10]. Demonstrators and troops clash in Gaza City; reports indicate at least 50 are injured by soldiers. Settlers and soldiers battle demonstrators in W. Bank town of Halhul; town is placed under curfew. Demonstrations are reported in Hebron, Sa'ir, Jenin-district village of Qabatiyyah, Bethlehem, Silwan, and jerusalem. Curfews remain in force for Nablus region, Qalqiliyyah, Tulkarm, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, Bayt Ummar, Bani Na'im, 'Anabta, refugee camps of Balatah, 'Askar, 'A'idah, Shu'fat, and Gaza Strip's Burayj camp. Al-'Azzah camp, Hibla village, and Jabal al-Mukabir ae under siege [FJ 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike in E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip continues despite military efforts to open stores [WP, CSM 1/21]. In Gaza Strip, 7 refugee camps remain under curfew. Accident involving stone-throwing youths and police jeep in E. Jerusalem suburb of 'Isawiyyah leaves 1 youth, 2police officers injured [LAT 1/21]. Army, police, and Jerusalem officials confirm that under new agreement Jerusalem police can request emergency powers from military, allowing them to impose curfews, force shops to open [NYT 1/2 1]. Israel announces capture of 3 Palestinians accused of 1986 attempted murder of soldier [FBIS 1/21; FJ 1/24]. In Burqin, near Salfit, Jewish settlers attack houses; 1 resident is beaten [FJ 1/24]. Israeli officials order Hebron Polytechnic closed indefinitely [FJ 1/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers kill 3 armed Palestinians shortly after they cross Israel's northern border from Lebanon. Fateh claims responsibility for infiltration. At least 20 stone-throwing Palestinian demonstrators aearrested during violent riots in al-Ram, near Jerusalem. Reports indicate many residents of Shu'fat in E. Jerusalem are detained, beaten by border police in nighttime crackdown on alleged protesters [WP 1/21; FJ 1/24]. Violent clashes between demonstrators and Israeli troops are reported in E. Jerusalem and numerous W. Bank refugee camps, villages, and towns. More than 50 Palestinians are beaten by Israeli troops in Gaza Strip camp [CSM, LAT 1/21]. Estimated 100 youth are beaten in army raid of Jenin-district vllage of 'Arrabah [FJ 1/24]. Arab World: Amal militiamen end 3-year siege of Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps [WP 1/21]. At Fez U., students demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories and against regime clash with police, soldiers; 9 demonstrators are wounded, and 1 dies later of injuries [FBIS 1/22]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Palestinians are deported to Jordan: Amin Ramzi Dawish Maqbul, of Nablus; Walid Ahmad Mahmud Nazzal, of Jenin district; and Bahjat Mustafa Hasan al-Biyadi Jayyusi, of Tulkarm district. Nazzal is accused of being a senior leader in the DFLP, Maqbul of being a Fateh leader for the Nablus area, and Jayyusi of incitement and stone throwing [JP 10/3]. Students in Gaza, W. Bank demonstrate in support of PLO, against Tunis raid; Palestinian flag raised, Arafat's photo raised, tires bumed, stones thrown. Soldiers shoot to disperse crowds. Passenger on Israeli bus injured by breaking glass [NYT 10/3]. Israeli settler Yosef Hamoi, from Elon Moreh settlement, is convicted of manslaughter in the 1983 killing of an 8-year-old Nablus girl, and of causing grievous bodily harm to her sister. Settler Ephraim Segal, with Hamoi at the time, is convicted of trying to subom witnesses, and Pinhas Mahrabis convicted of destroying evidence. Sentencing will follow [JP 10/3].

Arab World: PLO officials estimate 67 dead, over 100 wounded in Tunis attack; hospital reports 47 dead, 65 wounded [NYT 10/3]. Anti-American demonstration in Tunis draws 7,000 [LAT 10/3].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan expresses his "sincere condolences" to Tunisia for Israel's 10/1 raid on PLO headquarters there. White House spokesman Larry Speakes says the Israeli attack is "understandable as an expression of self-defense," but "cannot be condoned" [CT, NYT 10/3; TI 10/14].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA patrol is attacked by gunfire in the security zone. SLA troops later direct mortar and tank fire at Shi'ite village of Kafra north of security zone [JP 10/3].

Casualties:

Second group of 15 wounded Lebanese and Palestinian children arrive for treatment in US under American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee program.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Foreign Ministry expresses bafflement, denies Soviet statement that Israel is planning to attack Syria; 20 residents of Sakhnin and Arrabe in western Galilee arrested, charged with disturbing the peace and raising Palestinian flags during Wednesday's Land Day celebrations; Arab youth arrested after windows of Israeli department store smashed in Nazareth; police investigating Feb. 10 grenade attack on Peace Now demonstration have no suspects; AI-Fajr chief editor released on IS 5,000 bail, after police question him about alleged PLO contacts and attendance at PNC Algiers meeting; IDF lifts curfew at Jalazon camp after 24 days, residents say 2 infants died during period due to inadequate medical care; curfew resumed in Tarqumiya village after youth shot and killed by IDF, family ordered to conduct burial at night to avoid further disturbances; Israeli medical experts say illnesses of some 400 persons in Jenin district in past week were mass panic reaction triggered by possible environmental irritant in nearby village of Arraba, Health Ministry asks US Center for Disease Control in Atlanta to send team of experts to assess Israeli finding that illnesses not caused by poison; 106 persons still hospitalized.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein; Lebanon negotiations continue at Kiryat Shmona, progress reported on question of joint military patrols, no agreement on role of Haddad.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says US forbidden by law to release 75 F-16s to Israel while its forces are in the position of occupying another country that has asked them to leave; Habib returns to US.

Military Action:

IDF patrol confronts Lebanese Army at checkpoint east of Beirut; French and Italian soldiers take up positions in East Beirut alongside Lebanese Army; Foreign Minister Salem says army under orders to. shoot anyone who tries to obstruct its operations in Beirut, announces army will be increased to 40,000 men from present 22,000 by summer; car bomb explodes in Antelias, Phalange controlled suburb of Beirut; Haddad forces move in Hasbaya region of Bekaa valley; IDF reports explosive device defused near roadside in Sidon.

Casualties:

2 killed, 1 injured by car bomb in Antelias; 2 IDF killed, 2 injured in ambush while on patrol near Ayn Zhalta, southeast of Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin government defeats no confidence motions brought by Labor, Communist and Shinui parties, in single vote, 64 to 56; 1,466 signatures collected on petition denouncing war in Lebanon by Yesh Gvul ("There's a Limit") organization; High Court issues temporary injunction to prevent eviction of 2,000 residents of refugee settlement near Rafah; fire bomb thrown at Israeli bus near village of Arabe in Jenin district, village placed under curfew.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: At PNC, PLO Political Department head Farouk Kaddoumi calls Reagan plan another Camp David; Jibril says PFLP-GC will quit PLO and PNC if Fez resolution is endorsed; PNC Chairman Khaled al-Fahoum tells press conference we do not want to destroy any state in the region, says Palestinian state will be established in West Bank and Gaza, with Jerusalem as its capital; in Lebanon negotiations Israel seeks five "twarning stations" manned by 150 soldiers each at Mount Baruk, Hasbaya, Nabatiyeh, Sidon, and south of Sidon; Phalangist militia leader Fadi Frem says that Israel is installing Haddad's forces as second option if negotiations fail; Lebanese Foreign Minister denies Israeli report that agreement reached on accepting Haddad into Lebanese army.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says he is willing to increase number of Marines in Lebanon if it were key to speeding foreign troop withdrawal; Reagan invites Defense Minister Arens to White House meeting prior to his departure for Israel.