The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man at his home in Kisan. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Tammun during a raid. Israeli forces also continue the raid in Nur Shams refugee camp for the second day in a row. The raid ends after 40 hours with 13 Palestinians suffering from broken bones during Israeli interrogations, 400 Palestinians detained, and vast destruction caused by bulldozers and drone-fired missiles on its second day; 3 Israeli soldiers are reportedly injured during the raid. Elsewhere, Israeli forces begin constructing settler roads in the Masafer Yatta area near Umm al-Khair. Israeli forces also arrest a child and confiscate 60 sheep he is herding. Israeli forces arrest 27 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Tubas, and Ramallah. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Maghazi, Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 125 people, including at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society’s headquarters in Khan Yunis for the third day in a row. Palestinians in Maghazi report that Israeli forces massacre Palestinian civilians with snipers and bulldozers. Jabalia refugee camp floods after heavy rain, leading to sewage mixing with the standing water. An anti-aircraft missile fired at an Israeli helicopter hits a clinic in Kibbutz Nirim. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fires rockets at Israeli soldiers near al-Marj and Israeli forces target Hezbollah in Maroun al-Ras. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; AJ 1/5; AJ 1/6)

More than 22,438 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,800 children and 6,300 women, and around 57,697 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 318 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 80 children. More than 3,949 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 173 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,003 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 177 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karim Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/4)

Israel’s military publishes on Facebook that it has closed the evacuation corridor on Salah al-Din Street and opened a new corridor on al-Rashid Street. Movement is only allowed from north to south between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (AJ, UNOCHA 1/4)

The Palestinian Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs Authority names 51 Palestinian women and children who had been abducted by Israeli forces in Gaza and taken to the Damon Prison. (AJ, WAFA 1/4)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant releases a framework for post-war Gaza in which a Palestinian entity that is not hostile to Israel and is not Hamas nor the PA is in control of Gaza, Israeli settlers do not return to Gaza, but the Israeli military will be able to operate in Gaza and oversee the borders. Gallant also says an international coalition will be responsible for rebuilding Gaza. The PA rejects Gallant’s framework. Gallant also meets with U.S. deputy assistant to the president and senior adviser for energy and investment Amos Hochstein, saying the window for diplomacy with Lebanon is closing. Hochstein also meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who tells him that Israel is seeking “a fundamental change on its border with Lebanon.” Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz says Israel will return its ambassador to Spain. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU 1/4; AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/5)

Lebanon files a complaint with the UN Security Council over the Israeli assassination of Saleh al-Arouri and over Israel’s usage of Lebanese airspace to attack Syria. (AJ, HA 1/5)

Jordan says it backs South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ. (AJ 1/9)

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, France, Japan, Germany, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Qatar condemn statements made by Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir calling for the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the resettling of Gaza by Israeli settlers. UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk says he is “very disturbed” by the statements. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 1/5)

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says the U.S. has “not seen anything that would convince us that we need to take a different approach in terms of trying to help Israel defend itself.” Kirby also says that Israel should release the PA tax revenue to the PA, saying it is “Palestinian money,” and defends UNRWA from attacks by Israel and U.S. Republicans, saying “UNRWA does important work.” (AJ, HA 1/4; HA 1/5)

U.S. forces conduct an airstrike in Baghdad, killing Popular Mobilisation Forces commander Hajj Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi. Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemns the attack, calling it a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and later on 1/5 says the government will start the process of removing the U.S.-led coalition from Iraq. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 1/4; AJ, AP, REU 1/5)

Israel chooses British lawyer Malcom Shaw to represent the country at the upcoming genocide hearings at the ICJ. Axios reports that Israel’s Foreign Ministry has sends out a cable to its embassies instructing its diplomats to pressure countries into issuing statements against South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ. (HA, HA 1/4; AX 1/5)

A political appointee at the U.S. Department of Education, Tariq Habash, resigns over U.S. support for Israel’s attacks on Gaza, saying he will not be quietly complicit. Habash was the political advisor in the department’s Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. (HA, NYT 1/4)

Peace Now issues a report saying settlement activity in the West Bank has surged at unprecedented levels since 10/7. The report says Israeli settlers have created 9 new settlement outposts, made 18 paved roads, returned to the Amona outpost, closed roads for Palestinian vehicles, and built fences outside settlements. (PCN, PCN 1/4; NYT, WAFA 1/5)

The Intercept reports that all CNN stories related to Israel and Palestine are being reviewed at the CNN Jerusalem bureau before publication, where the stories are subject to the Israeli military’s censor. The Intercept also says CNN has issued directives to its journalists on language to avoid, directed them not to relay statements from Hamas, and has hired a former Israeli soldier from the Military Spokesperson Unit to serve as a reporter. (INT 1/4)

Former U.S. vice president Mike Pence tours northern Israel, writing a message on a bomb intended to be dropped on Lebanon. (HA 1/5; HA 1/6; HA 1/7)

After Friday prayers in Jerusalem, some Palestinians demonstrate against the U.S.-led attack on Iraq; Israeli police use stun grenades, tear gas to disperse the crowd, causing only light injuries. The IDF fires on Palestinians in Qalqilya who defy the 24-hr. curfew to attend Friday prayers, injuring 4; demolishes a Palestinian home in Bethlehem; bulldozes 64 dunams of land nr. Dayr al-Balah. (AFP, HA 3/21; al-Quds 3/22 in WNC 3/24; PCHR 3/27; LAW 3/28)

U.S.-led coalition forces launch the “shock and awe” air campaign across Iraq, intended to precede a major ground offensive toward Baghdad. Ground troops launch operations to capture Umm Qasr, Basra ports and the Rumayla oil field in the south, meeting significant resistance. (CNN 3/21; NYT, WP, WT 3/22)

The IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian nr. Morag settlement; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Bethlehem, 1 in al-Zawayda; raids al-Quds Open University in Ramallah, detaining 300 students for ID checks, holding a number for questioning; conducts arrest raids in Nablus, Qalqilya (targeting Hamas). The PA Preventive Security Forces (PSF) raid a Hamas training exercise nr. Jabaliya r.c., killing 1 Hamas mbr. Hamas later fires a Qassam rocket at a Gaza settlement, causing no damage or injuries. (HA 3/20; NYT 3/23; PCHR 3/27; LAW 3/28)

After dark, U.S.-led coalition forces launch missile, helicopter strikes on Basra, Baghdad in the 1st sustained aerial assaults on Iraq. Coalition troops are also reportedly operating in w. Iraq to prevent Scud missile strikes on Israel. (AP, HA, MM, REU 3/20)

Speaking before Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sec. Baker tones down 9/4 suggestion of NATO-style security arrangement, which had touched off controversy, by saying "any such arrangement would have to fit regional realities. We have no particular model, such as NATO, in mind" [WP 9/6; FJ 9/10].

Britain agrees to contribute to U.S.-sponsored fund to aid Middle East countries hurt by the trade embargo against Iraq [LAT 9/6], while West German gov't decides not to supply funds for multinational force in Gulf, but will offer use of planes and ships to transport troops to the region [WP 9/5].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz meets with Pres. Gorbachev in Moscow over Gulf crisis amid signs Moscow is losing patience over Iraq's refusal to leave Kuwait [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 9/6; MET 9/18].

State Dep't reports U.S. citizen is shot and wounded trying to evade capture by Iraqi troops in Kuwait City [LAT, WT, WP 9/6; MET 9/18].

Bush admin. offers to mount international effort to provide economic aid to USSR in return for Moscow's pulling its military advisers out of Iraq and agreeing to join multinational force in Middle East [LAT 9/6].

Israeli and American sources report F.M. David Levy, visiting Washington for talks with Sec. Baker, asks Bush admin. to forgive Israel's $4.5 billion military debt and dramatically increase military aid [WT 9/6; JDS 9/6 in FBIS 9/6; JPI 9/15; MET 9/18]; Baker and Levy say U.S. and Israel will work to establish "credible" Arab-Israeli peace process to demonstrate alternative to Saddam Hussein [NYT 9/6].

King Hussein meets with British for. sec. Hurd in Amman [JTE 9/6 in FBIS 9/6], then flies to Baghdad to discuss Gulf crisis with Saddam [BADS 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; CSM 9/7].

Jerusalem Post reports 195,000 elementary school children begin year's studies in West Bank. Intermediate and high schools will open in stages over next 2 weeks [JPD 9/6 in FBIS 9/7]. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 9th annual Land Day commemorated throughout Palestine in demonstrations protesting Israeli land theft and discriminatory policies; military authorities impose curfews on Balata and Ain Beit Alma refugee camps near Nablus; Israeli troops open fire on demonstrators and bystanders in jenin and Qabatya villages and Balata and Dheisheh camps, 5 people wounded. Meanwhile, IDF bulldozes wheat crops, olive and almond groves of Kufr Qalil family in 2nd day of work on Elon Moreh access road as settlers look on. Fara'a prison detainee Walid A'ardeh testifies before Tel Aviv District Court to torture used to extract confession to unspecified charge. Interior Min. issues travel ban for Fr. Fawzi Khoury.

Arab World: Arab FMs meeting in Tunis warn US of unspecified retaliation if its embassy moved to Jerusalem; fail to agree on proposed reform of voting procedure and establishment of pan-Arab Court of Justice.

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat and Pres. Mubarak meet while attending Guinean Pres. Sekou Toure's funeral in Conakry. US formally ends participation in Lebanon MNF. Sweden's FM Schori criticizes Israeli policy in West Bank and Latin America during official 3-day visit to Tel Aviv. Lebanon's PM al-Wazzan tells US amb. Bartholomew that US shares responsibility for IDF repression in South because of its "unlimited military and political support for Israel."

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Arab World: General strike called in Majd al-Shams (Golan) protesting Israeli occupation of Lebanon and US interference in Lebanese affairs.

Other Countries: Hungarian state business representatives meet with Israeli businessmen in Jerusalem; in absence of diplomatic relations, talks remain on private level. Soviet delegation informs US Security Council that USSR will not approve UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon until US, British, French and Italian MNF withdraw permanently.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: IDF soldiers wounded by mine explosion on road to Nabatiya.

Other Countries: 50 members of US Druze community demonstrate at State Dep't. against US policy in Lebanon. FM Kimche ends 4-day official visit to Singapore.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset in emergency session on consequences of US withdrawal from Lebanon; proceedings classified.

Arab World: Arafat arrives in Sana'a from Kuwait for talks with Pres. Saleh.

Other Countries: US House Speaker O'Neill claims US shelling not authorized within War Powers Act. Pope John-Paul urges pull-out of MNF from Lebanon and calls for protection of Palestinian refugees there in appeal to US Pres. Reagan. French gov't. reacts critically to US decision to pull out of Beirut; engages in diplomatic efforts to reconvene UN Security Council for replacing MNF with UN force.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrol kills Israeli government ranger, shooting at wild dogs in field near Beit Lahiya, Gaza, mistaking him for Palestinian "guerrilla." Complaints registered with Tel Aviv police that Civil Defense volunteers from local high schools randomly beat Arabs; base commander Sarah Ruhamim, reportedly commanded pupils: "Get out of the patrol car and see that the Arabs get a beating; my daughter enjoys it terribly." Ruhamim resigned after sum- moned by CD commander. Arab World: USS New Jersey fires big guns for 5 hours at artillery positions behind Syrian lines. 6th/15th Lancers of British MNF withdraw from Beirut to aircraft carrier Reliant.

Military Action:

Cease-fire in Tripoli limits heavy firing to few hours in afternoon; PSP-LF artillery battles continue near Aley; Syrian anti-aircraft batteries fire on US F-14 jets; frequency of night-time reconnaissance flights by US reportedly increases; nearly 30 US ships, carrying 300 warplanes, now assembled within striking distance of Lebanon.

Casualties:

Casualties in Tripoli put at 15- 20 civilians killed, 150 wounded, estimated 1/4 Of city's 600,000 residents may have fled; Pentagon says search for bodies of US personnel killed in October 23 bombing has ended, final death toll is 239, with more than 80 wounded.

Political Responses:

US and Other Countries: House votes 224-189 to allow Israel to use $550 m. military credits to finance construction of new Lavi fighter, Weinberger calls it inappropriate, bill also cancels previously approved economic aid to Syria; Italian Defense Minister says Italian warships in MNF standing by to evacuate Arafat from Tripoli.

Military Action:

Fighting continues in southern Beirut suburbs and in Chouf between LAF and Amal and PSP militias; IDF convoy attacked in South Lebanon.

Casualties:

18 wounded in fighting between LAF and militias; deaths from Sunday's bombings now reported to be US, 225, French, 56.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Leader of Islamic Amal movement denies any direct or indirect role in Beirut bombings, calls them retribution and a blow for Lebanese dignity and independence; Jumblatt orders release of 1000 civilians under siege in Deir al-Qamar.

US and Other Countries: Foreign ministers of MNF countries meet in Paris, agree to maintain forces in Beirut, Shultz raises possibility of US retaliation for bombing, other states reportedly reluctant; Reagan says those who directed the atrocity must be dealt justice, asks whether the US or the Free World can stand by and see the Middle East incorporated into the Soviet Bloc.

Military Action:

US Marine administrative HQ and French paratroop barracks in Beirut destroyed by almost simultaneous truck bomb attacks; responsibility for bombing claimed by Free Islamic Revolutionary Movement; heavy fighting resumes around Souq al-Gharb; IDF patrol battles Lebanese civilians near Sarafand, south of Zahrani river.

Casualties:

Initial reports from Beirut bombings list military casualties as 146 US, 27 French killed, 69 US, 12 French wounded, 53 French missing; 20+ Lebanese civilians injured by explosion at French barracks; both buildings totally destroyed, along with documents, material; 3 Lebanese. civilians killed, several wounded, 1 IDF soldier wounded near Sarafand.

Political Responses:

US and Other Countries: US officials suspect Iranian involvement in Beirut bombings, and Hisballah group, based in Baalbek, of direct responsibility; Reagan says US forces will remain in Lebanon, threatens retaliation when identity of bombers is known; Joint Chiefs of Staff meet in emergency session; Pentagon says Lebanese Army not ready to take over peacekeeping duties, requires another year of intensive training by US to reach full operational capacity; France, other European MNF states say their forces will remain in Beirut.

Military Action:

Home-made bomb thrown at French MNF vehicle in Beirut; fighting between LAF and militiamen in southern suburbs continues intermittently; car bomb explodes in West Beirut, no casualties.

Casualties:

1 French paratrooper wounded by bomb; 3 militiamen, 1 policeman killed, soldier and civilian injured in southern suburbs.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Tel Aviv Stock Exchange opens for limited trading for first time since October 9.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva reportedly agreed on as new site for reconciliation talks.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says Syria, aided and abetted by 7000 Soviet advisers and technicians, is contributing to the disorder and trouble in Lebanon; US shipping large quantities of ammunition and military equipment, including 68 M-48 tanks, to resupply LAF.

Military Action:

LAF and Shi'ite militiamen exchange small arms and rocket fire in southern Beirut suburbs; explosives thrown at French MNF patrol in Beirut; cease-fire security committee orders halt to Druze-Christian fighting in Kharroub mountains.

Casualties:

1 LAF soldier, 2 civilians killed in Beirut fighting; IDF raids office of Lebanese national news agency in Sidon, arrests and interrogates 2 reporters, confiscates film.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese government asks UNIFIL to renew its mandate, expiring October 19, for further 6 months.

Military Action:

Cease-fire holds generally; sniper fire and fighting between LAF and Amal militia in southern suburbs of Beirut; LF and PSP militias exchange artillery fire near Baissour; bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes near Marjayoun; fighting breaks out in Baddawi refugee camp near Tripoli between Fateh and PFLP-GC factions, Arafat forces exchange artillery fire with Syrian troops.

Casualties:

17-19 guerrillas killed, 7 wounded in Tripoli fighting; 1 Italian soldier wounded in Beirut; 2 IDF soldiers wounded near Marjayoun; refugees return in large numbers to Beirut from the south.

Political Responses:

US and Other Countries: Representatives of US, Britain, France, Italy meet in New York, agree on need to keep MNF in place, discuss formation of 600-man observer corps, affiliated to UN, monitor Lebanon cease-fire; Shultz says MNF mission in Lebanon should continue until or even after there is stability, including withdrawal of Israeli, Syrian and PLO forces; Reagan says he will seek Congressional authorization for any substantial expansion in size or role of Marine contingent, will consult if stay beyond 18 months is required.

Military Action:

Heavy fighting erupts in southern Beirut suburbs between LAF and Amal miliita; US Marine compound at airport hit by artillery and mortar rounds; US warships and Marine shore battery return fire; fighting resumes around Souq al-Gharb; rockets hit Defense Ministry, fall near presidential palace and US Ambassador's residence.

Casualties:

4 Marines wounded; 2 members CBS-TV crew wounded at Souq al-Gharb; 30 LAF soldiers captured, then released, by Amal in Burj al-Barajneh; 11 Muslim civilians reportedly killed by LF in Mraije.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese National Resistance Front issues warning in Damascus against members of MNF deepening their involvement in Lebanon fighting.

US and Other Countries: Senate Foreign Relations Committee approves by 9-7 vote a resolution authorizing president to keep Marines in Lebanon for further 18 months; European MNF members announce diplomatic initiative independent of US to obtain Lebanon cease-fire.

Military Action;

French Army HQ and Italian munitions depot in Beirut hit by rockets; 4-8 French Super Etendard jet fighters, based on French carrier Foch, attack PSP and Syrian gun emplacements near Sofar, Dour Choueir and elsewhere, first combat use of airpower by MNF; rockets hit Lebanese Air Force base at Jubeil, LAF positions at Khalden; battle for Souq al-Gharb continues.

Casualties:

4 French soldiers wounded in HQ shelling, 2 others wounded by grenade thrown at truck, French casualties now total 50 wounded, 16 killed; Italian MNF munitions depot destroyed.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: 600-2000 Druze civilians demonstrate in Beirut against US support for LAF and LF, march to temporary US Embassy, present letter to US official.

US and Other Countries: House Foreign Affairs Committee by 30-6 vote approves compromise formula to allow deployment of US troops in Lebanon for additional 18 months.

Military Action:

Fighting continues around Souq al-Gharb, with anti-government forces, reportedly including Hitten and Yarmouk brigades of PLA, using tanks and smokescreens; artillery and rocket fire hits Yarze and Baabda areas; US ships fire salvos for third consecutive day; Gemayel tours LAF positions along Souq al-Gharb-Kaifun ridge.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir, with majority in Knesset, is invited to form new government, extends invitation to Labor Alignment to join government of national unity; Sharon calls on US to send Marines into Chouf, use naval and air power to stop Druze forces, send warning to Syria and Soviet Union; Israeli acting mayor cancels Hebron council's successful petition to High Court for injunction against expansion of Jewish settlements in town's center.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says Marines' participation in MNF is absolutely crucial to ending Soviet-sponsored aggression against Lebanon; House Appropriations Committee votes 20-16 to cut off funds for Marines in MNF on December 1 unless Reagan invokes War Powers Act.

Military Action:

US Marines, Army officers make first reported visit to LAF positions at Souq al-Gharb, gather intelligence, consult on target coordinates; LAF adds 2 battalions to 4 already at Souq al-Gharb, US ships fire 40+ rounds at anti-government artillery and rocket batteries east of Yarze; SAM-5 reportedly fired at US Navy F-14 on reconnaissance flight over Beirut, no damage; Amal militia continues attack on LAF units south of Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF reportedly will intervene in Lebanon fighting if PLO seeks to gain foothold south of Damour River line.

US and Other Countries: Reagan administration and Congressional leaders of both parties agree on compromise formula to authorize Marines to remain in Lebanon for further 18 months under War Powers Act, no change in number, role or deployment; US names new ambassadors to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia; Italy positions warplanes at British base on Cyprus to support its MNF contingent; British naval task force begins assembling in eastern Mediterranean.

Military Action:

Heavy artillery fire hits West Beirut; fighting intensifies around Souq al-Gharb; US and French jets carry out reconnaissance and warning flights over Beirut and PSP positions in Chouf; US Marines fire artillery rounds; US, French, Italian warships move close to Beirut shoreline.

Casualties:

2-3 French soldiers in MNF killed, 5 wounded by artillery fire, total French MNF casualties are 16 killed, 44 wounded; 11 civilians killed, 38 injured in West Beirut; car bomb near Mourabitoun HQ on Corniche Mazraa kills 6, injures 27; 5 Red Cross relief and ambulance convoys turned back from Chouf since Sunday, Red Cross officials report 40,000 refugees from Chouf fighting.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese officials ask MNF countries to increase number of troops and deploy them in mountains, say Syrian-backed PLO forces are aiding PSP militia.

Arab Governments: Assad meets McFarlane in Damascus. US and Other Countries: France warns it will destroy any artillery positions firing on French MNF contingent.

UN: Conference on Palestine ends, declares right of Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state in Palestine.

Military Action:

24-hour curfew declared in Beirut; 300 Lebanese Rangers make helicopter landing, attack militia positions at Holiday Inn, other hotels; 6,000-10,000 Lebanese Army troops make combined armor and infantry sweep into West Beirut, recapture positions lost in past two days; Corniche Mazraa occupied by special force of 300, using mortars and tanks; artillery shelling continues from mountain positions; Italian MNF compound hit by 12 artillery rounds; Commodore Hotel hit by several shells; army sets up checkpoints near port area, occupies Mourabitoun HQ, Amal militia, Army maintain informal cease-fire in Shi'ite neighborhoods; heavy fighting occurs in Tripoli between rival Muslim militias.

Casualties:

18-22 civilians killed, 49 wounded in Beirut; 21 Lebanese soldiers killed, 87 wounded, bringing total Army casualties in past 4 days to 42 killed, 176 wounded; Mourabitoun and Amal militia leaders placed under house arrest; part of US Special Forces unit, training Lebanese Army, evacuated from Cadmos Hotel to British Embassy; 25 killed, 60 wounded in Tripoli battles.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Foreign Minister Shamir and Deputy PM Levy emerge as competing candidates to succeed Begin.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: After emergency Cabinet meeting, Gemayel invites 11 opposition leaders to join in national reconciliation conference; Jumblatt says Gemayel's call for direct dialogue among factional groups is out of the question; Berri condemns Army's move into West Beirut, calls on other Arab states to stop the massacre of Muslims.

Military Action:

Assassination attempt on PM Wazzan.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shultz meets Begin, other Israeli officials, discusses consequences of IDF redeployment; Israeli official says redeployment is not withdrawal but entrenchment, IDF is willing to remain in Lebanon many years; Jewish religious student killed in Hebron, military government dismisses Acting Mayor Natshe and municipal council, curfew imposed, settlers ransack and burn market stalls and several stores in Hebron central market, 1 Arab killed; 2 Arabs sentenced to life imprisonment, 4 others jailed 7 to 18 years for murder of Jewish settler last year at Herodion; Jewish vigilante sentenced to 39 months imprisonment for shooting at car driven by Arab near Hebron.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO mediating team returns to Damascus.

US and Other Countries: Shultz ends Middle East visit with stops in Amman and Cairo, says he can't point to any substantive achievement, would not want to try to sell proposal to Congress that US troops with MNF take over positions abandoned by IDF redeployment.

Military Action:

IDF attacked in Sidon and Bekaa, no reported casualties; Israeli intelligence attributes US embassy bomb to fundamentalist Shiite organization closely connected to Iran and Syria.

Casualties:

Lebanese lawyer shot and killed by French member of MNF when he fails to stop at roadblock.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet debates withdrawal of IDF to Awali river, no decision reportedly reached; at Cabinet meeting, Sharon attacks government's failure to launch reprisals against PLO for attacks on IDF; 3 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicle in Beit Jala, 2 at Jalazon camp, no injuries reported.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO military documents seized by IDF in Sidon during war in Lebanon, edited by Hebrew University faculty member, are published in London under title PLO in Lebanon-Selected Documents; Lebanese merchants informed by government they have until May 7 to cut commercial ties with Israel.

US and Other Countries: Shultz starts Middle East tour, says his objectives are finding secure arrangements for Israel, removing foreign troops from Lebanon, and finding some manner of recognizing the legitimate needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people; British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs says US should exert more pressure on Israel to withdraw from Lebanon and freeze West Bank settlements.

Military Action:

Grenade thrown at French MNF position, 1 French soldier wounded.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel begins 35th Independence Day celebration; Begin says autonomy negotiations should be renewed, but not on condition of freezing settlement activity; Israel Aircraft Industries head and air force commander in Lebanon war appointed deputy chief of staff; negotiations between Israel and Brazil for the supply of Gabriel missiles to the Brazilian navy are in an advanced stage.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: FM Salem meets Habib, who arrives from Jerusalem; Arafat, in Rabat, has talks with King Hassan.

US and Other Countries: Reagan Administration authorizes US companies to provide to Israel technology, worth $1.5b., for construction of Lavi jet fighter; State Dept. says approval of sale of F-16s unlikely before Israel agrees to withdraw from Lebanon; Reagan message to President Assad on Syrian National Day emphasizes US position that peace negotiations on basis of UN Resolution 242 would include question of Golan Heights.

Military Action:

IDF patrol attacked southeast of Beirut, Lebanese National Resistance Front reportedly responsible; 2 grenades thrown at French MNF position in Beirut; Israeli jets break sound barrier over Beirut, fly mock bombing runs in South Lebanon.

Casualties:

1 IDF wounded; IDF reportedly investigating deaths of 7 men whose bodies were found in Israeli detention center in Sidon soon after invasion; IDF arrests sheikh of Jibsheet, Shiite village in South Lebanon, on suspicion of aiding terrorist activity; prisoner in Ansar camp murdered by other prisoners; Committee of Prisoners' Families reports more than 200 Palestinian women arrested or kidnapped by Phalange in Beirut area between October and February.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Science and Development Minister Ne'eman says he will demand extension of Israeli law to West Bank and Gaza and massive Jewish settlement; IDF and Defense Ministry reply to US Marine Commandant's charges, accuse US of failing to honor agreement to delineate military patrol zones in Beirut; Arens tells Weinberger that IDF under strict instructions to avoid incidents with US Marines, proposes agreement on demarcation lines, liaison arrangements between forces.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Army Commander Tannous says non-Lebanese parties are masterminding and staging attacks on MNF to drive it out of Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Arab League delegation, led by King Hussein, with Walid Khalidi representing Palestinians, meets PM Thatcher in London, who reaffirms commitment to self-determination for the Palestinian people.

US and Other Countries: Former President Carter meets President Gemayel in Beirut, calls for immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, says he hopes Israeli occupation of West Bank will not be repeated in Lebanon.

UN: UN officials say France has expressed concern over August Question of Palestine conference to be held at Paris UNESCO HQ will not take part in preparations or send delegation.

Military Action:

Grenades, mortars, rockets fired in Tripoli fighting between Lebanese Communist Party rnilitia and Soldiers of God militia; land mine explodes near Khiyam; Italian MNF patrol attacked with RPGs near airport; remote-controlled bomb explodes near IDF vehicle outside refugee camp near Tyre, area closed and searched; IDF surrounds town of Barja, arrests 3 Lebanese suspected of involvement in ambushes.

Casualties:

2 killed, 7 wounded in Tripoli fighting, schools and shops closed in old quarter of city; 9 Italian MNF wounded in 2 Beirut attacks, 2 vehicles destroyed; Lebanese Army informs residents of Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut that government prohibits repairs of bombed-out roofs, arrests 15 on charges of abusive construction, threatens to arrest additional 34 tomorrow.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Defense Minister Arens orders drastic cuts in ministry's National Security Unit, expanded by Sharon to proportions of alternative general staff; Arens tells Knesset Foreign Affairs committee there is no need to freeze West Bank settlements to entice King Hussein to enter peace negotiations; Cabinet selects Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Moshe Levy to replace IDF Chief of Staff Eitan; Central Bureau of Statistics says inflation rate is 130% a year; 3 suspects in attempt to take over Temple Mount released on bail; Nazareth municipal employee sentenced to 3 months in jail for participating in illegal Land Day demonstration in 1982; two new Chief Rabbis elected for 10-year terms, say that West Bank and South Lebanon are part of Israel; Bedouins call off hunger strike after Agriculture Ministry official agrees to meet them; curfews remain in force in Halhoul, Dheisheh, Aida, Jalazon and Ein Beit Alma, new curfew imposed on Balata camp; IDF seizes house opposite al-Amari camp for lookout post; 5 Village League members armed with automatic rifles enter village of Nuba, threaten to destroy it unless alleged demonstrators are turned in, IDF later arrests 3 residents,on charges of calling Hebron Village League head a traitor.

Arab Governments: Syrian officials say troops will not be withdrawn from Lebanon if any Israeli-Lebanese agreement provides for Israeli troops in Lebanon and formal trade, tourist, or diplomatic ties; Egyptian and Israeli officials hold second round of talks in Cairo on reviving trade relations.

US and Other Countries: State Department announces progress after third day of talks between Shultz and Shamir, emphasizes proposals for increased US responsibility for security, including training and equipping elite Lebanese force to patrol border, expansion in size and responsibility of MNF, and creation of a joint Lebanese- Israeli-US military commission to oversee security zone in South Lebanon; US officials say incentives to Israel such as high aid levels and release of F-16s are likely to accompany agreement to troop withdrawal accord; in statement read to conference on Soviet Jewry, Reagan says plight of Soviet Jews who are denied right to emigrate will remain in forefront of US foreign policy and human rights concerns.

Military Action:

Three hours of machine gun and RPG battles in Tripoli between PFLP-GC and anti-Syrian Lebanese militia; Saad Haddad, accompanied by IDF, occupies Jubb Jannin, northern-most Israeli position in Bekaa valley; IDF increases patrols in Sidon area; IDF APC detonates mine near Khamed al-Luz in northern Bekaa, no injuries.

Casualties:

3 bodies found earlier this week in Sidon area; PLO says Israel has offered, through Austrian mediation, to release 800 prisoners for 8 IDF captured in Lebanon; IDF says it holds 293 Syrian prisoners, 5,099 Palestinians and Lebanese at Ansar.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Foreign Minister Shamir criticizes Reagan for use of word homeland with reference to resolution of Palestinian question, says it is not by accident that this term does not appear in the Camp David accords; 3 Israeli officers, including a Captain, and three soldiers are currently serving prison terms for refusing to serve in Lebanon; police detain 6 persons for harassing Peace Now demonstration on February 10; members of Ramallah area Village League to face charges of aggravated assault and illegal detention and interrogation as a result of complaints by Ramallah residents over incident occurring a year ago.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: 18th session of Lebanese-Israeli-US talks in Khalde results in initial agreement on security arrangements; Habib meets with President Gemayel and other Lebanese leaders.

Arab Governments: Jordanian Foreign Minister, after talks in Beirut with President Amin Gemayel, says Israel must first withdraw from Lebanon and agree to settlement freeze before comprehensive negotiations can take place; Saudi Arabia, principal export market for Lebanon, bans all imports to prevent flow of Israeli goods.

US and Other Countries: Defense Secretary Weinberger denies Israeli reports that US Marines ordered not to have direct liaison with IDF, but says current system of liaison through a military council is satisfactory; Weinberger also says number of Marines in MNF may have to be increased if withdrawal of Israeli, Syrian and Palestinian forces is achieved; Shultz rejects Israeli position, reiterated yesterday by Arens, that a Palestinian state and homeland exists already in Jordan; US Gallup Poll taken in January 1983 finds American public sympathy toward Israel has returned to level of July 1981, following sharp drop after Beirut massacre.

Military Action:

MNF units assist Lebanese Army and civil defense forces in rescue operations for civilians trapped by severe blizzard, responsible for at least 38 deaths.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Secret Appendix B to Commission of Inquiry Report said to detail Sharon visit to Gemayel family after assassination of Bashir, including discussion on need for the Phalangists to take revenge; Jerusalem police arrest three men on charges of harassing Peace Now demonstrators during February 10 march.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in speech to PNC, supports endorsement of Fez plan, says Reagan plan is not enough but to turn it down flatly would deprive the PLO of its links with the US and of sources of badly needed financial aid; PNC Political Committee decides that Reagan plan is not acceptable as basis for just solution of Palestine problem, endorses Fez plan, gives no mandate to Jordan to negotiate on behalf of PLO, approves concept of eventual confederation between independent Palestinian state and Jordan, approves contacts with democratic and progressive forces in Egypt and with Mubarak government, and with democratic and progressive Israelis advocating establishment of an independent Palestinian state, decides to merge all PLO armed forces into single PNLA with unified command structure.

Arab Governments: Arab League mission to visit Britain around mid-March; King Hussein, in UK on private visit, has working lunch with Prime Minister Thatcher.

Military Action:

Remaining members of British MNF contingent arrive, bringing total to 97; UNIFIL says IDF harassing its convoys.

Casualties:

3 injured, 14 houses damaged by bombs at Mieh Mieh refugee camp near Sidon.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Report of Commission of Inquiry concludes that only Phalangist forces carried out Sabra and Shatila massacre, provides evidence that Israeli military personnel knew of killings within one hour of Phalangists entering camps, says Israeli civilian and military leaders bear indirect responsibility, accuses Begin of indifference, recommends Sharon's resignation or dismissal, accuses Army Chief of Staff Eitan of breach of duty and dereliction of duty, censures Director of Military Intelligence Saguy, IDF commander in Beirut Yaron, and Northern Commander Drori; Sharon, in speech to 600 members of the Jabotinsky Lodge in Tel Aviv, praises four officers criticized in Report; co-chairman of the Council of Torah Sages says Report would be best ignored; Peres says Alignment faction will oppose Sharon continuing in any ministerial capacity; Israeli government plans to hand over to Muslim community additional Waqf assets frozen since 1948.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat says Commission of Inquiry Report important but incomplete, calls for international court to investigate Israeli and American involvement; Wadi Haddad, senior advisor to President Gemayel, ends visit to Washington; Phalange party paper Al-Amal says that Sharon has ordered IDF troops to help Druze forces in Chouf; Lebanese investigator of Sabra and Shatila massacres, Assad Germanos, says his report will be ready in March or April but government will decide whether to publish it; Saad Haddad reported planning to double or triple size of his militia.

Arab Governments: Syria may be preparing third SA-5 missile site at al-Suwayda near Jordanian border.

US and Other Countries: Official US response to Commission of Inquiry Report is cautious, emphasizes that it is internal problem; State Department annual report on human rights says settlements in West Bank exacerbate human rights problems and expects that confrontation between the inhabitants of the territories and the occupation authorities is likely to remain at the same level as in recent years.

Military Action:

Druze and Phalange militia exchange fire in Chouf; US Marines on full alert and deploy in firing positions as IDF patrol confronts Marines at checkpoint near Lebanese University; IDF armored car backs into barbed wire fence at another Marine checkpoint; US Embassy expresses concern over incidents to Israeli Government.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Following week of meetings in Tripoli, Libya, PFLP, DFLP, PFLP-GC, Saiqa and PSF statement rejecting Fez and Reagan plans and any form of recognition or negotiation with the expansionist Zionist entity, adherence to armed struggle to liberate Palestine and all the occupied Arab territories; Lebanese- Israeli-US negotiators, meeting for 51?2 hours at Khalde, discuss ending state of war and security zone, make enough progress to turn issues over to subcommittee of Antoine Fattal, Eli Rubenstein, Christopher Ross, and form another subcommittee to deal with timetable for withdrawal of troops.

Arab Governments: Egyptian President Mubarak says Arabs must act on Reagan plan by end of year, PLO Chairman should recognize Israel, unilaterally if necessary; Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam tours Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar; King Hussein returns to Jordan from talks with King Fahd in Saudi Arabia.

US and Other Countries: Habib and Draper will divide responsibilities to accelerate the peace process; State Department refuses to qualify last week's statement suggesting possibility of shortening the autonomy period; US says USSR has sent 90 aircraft, mostly MiG-21s, and 12 SA-5 missiles to Syria, which would be particularly effective against E2-C Hawkeye surveillance aircraft used by Israel in Lebanon war; 2 US soldiers in multinational force in Sinai wounded in mine explosion near Ofira; former Presidents Carter and Ford, in joint article, say that Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza is a major obstacle to any moderate Arab initiative for peace in the Middle East, and urge King Hussein to join autonomy talks; West German Foreign Minister Genscher attacks Israeli settlement policy, does not recognize the PLO or support an independent Palestinian state, but supports the June 1980 Venice Declaration that the PLO be involved in the peace process.

Military Action:

IDF armored troops seal off West Beirut as Israeli and Palestinian gunners trade artillery, machine-gun fire in southern suburbs, in first major clash in 8 days; IDF drops concealment, openly sets up armored units for first time inside city at the Green Line; IDF and Phalange jointly patrolling crossing points; Israeli planes drop red flares over Palestinian refugee camps, as loudspeakers advise residents to move out; IDF digs out positions for tanks in hillsides above Beirut; IDF begins blockade, stopping all traffic coming into W. Beirut; IDF artillery in Sofar exchanges barrages with Syrians; 400 IDF tanks, 110 artillery pieces ring Beirut; Phalange radio reports IDF advances toward Burj al-Barajneh camp.

Arafat expects IDF attack with 3 divisions and planes, gunboats; PLO units maintain grenade, small arms attacks on IDF rear units.

Casualties:

Fires reported in vicinity of airport and in Burj al-Barajneh camp following fierce artillery duels; IDF units inwceased in Chouf area following killing of 3 Christian villagers by Druze militia-men (following week of violence against Druze villages by Phalange forces).

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir says Israel may not demand a multinational force along the border if some agreement can be reached; Shamir denies difference between political/ military actions of PLO, says IDF will not wait too much longer before assault on Beirut; Eitan suggests smaller military actions rather than all-out attack may be used; 270 IDF killed, 1270 injured; IDF says reservists in combat units may serve 60-90 days; 50- 70,000 people protest war in Tel Aviv, including reservists, as thousands of others attend exhibit of captured PLO and Syrian weapons; Justice Minister Nissim, Attorney General, and other officials meet tomorrow to consider legal action against Avnery for meeting Arafat.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Salam charges IDF broke cease-fire twice during day; agreement reached on deployment of multinational force alongside Lebanese Army, but not on continuing PLO presence in Lebanon; Lebanese government says PLO still refuses to offer formal set of proposals; Arafat later signs detailed document that PLO will evacuate Beirut (many Lebanese fear Israel will reject; Wazzan says only some progress, no agreement reached with PLO); Arafat hails "Paris Declaration" by 3 prominent Jews as "positive initiative toward a just ... peace"; Sarkis meets with French envoy Gutmann.

Arab Governments: Syria, Egypt, Jordan debate number of PLO members they are willing to take.

US and Other Countries: Habib meets with Sarkis; Ambassador Lewis meets Begin, reportedly asks more time for negotiations.

UN: UN mission heads for Lebanon to assess relief needs.