The Palestine Chronology

The IDF fires on a jeep approaching Kefar Darom settlement at high speed; the jeep, disguised as an Israeli civilian vehicle and packed with explosives, explodes, killing the Palestinian driver, wounding 4 IDF soldiers; Hamas claims responsibility. The IDF also briefly detains al-Quds University pres. and peace activist Sari Nusseibeh for hiring illegal Palestinian workers; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Sura nr. Nablus; conducts arrest raids nr. Hebron. In Gaza, an early morning explosion damages the entrance to the home of PSF Gaza cmdr. Ghazi al-Jabali; no one takes responsibility. (MM, PR 4/28; NYT, PCHR 4/29; NYT 4/30; PCHR 5/6)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Yamun, near Jenin, 3 houses are demolished by Israeli authorities; owners are suspected of participating in demonstrations [FJ 4/10]. In Bethlehem, 10 stores are welded shut and owners' IDs confiscated because shops had opened during morning [FJ 4/10].

Arab World: Sec. of State George Shultz meets with King Hussein in Amman, flies to Damascus for talks with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, and returns to Jerusalem [WP 4/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations are reported in several W. Bank and Gaza Strip villages and camps. In Zayat, in Tulkarm district, soldiers use live ammunition to disperse protesters, injuring 8. Curfews are in force in 6 W. Bank villages and cities as well as Qabatiyyah and Jenin camp. Balatah is under curfew for 14th consecutive day. Dayr Ghassana and Bayt Rima villages, near Ramallah, are among 6 sealed villages. Soldiers raid Sura village, near Nablus, and uproot olive trees. In Gaza Strip, curfew in Jalazun is lifted for 3 hours. In Dayr al-Balah camp, protesters stone car of settlers from Kiryat Arba; settlers flee and Palestinians burn car; camp is placed under curfew [FJ 4/10].

Arab World: In Israel's S. Lebanon security zone, Israeli soldiers kill 2 Palestinian commandos attempting to cross border. Palestine Liberation Front claims responsibility [WP 4/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in most of the occupied territories [WP, NYT 2/17]. Occupied territories' civil administration lowers limit on amount of money that can be brought into W. Bank from Jordan [NYT 2/17]. Maj. Gen. Ehud Barak, Israel's deputy chief of staff and Def. Min. Rabin confirm soldiers buried 4 Palestinians alive 2/5 [WP 2/17]. Rabin announces his intention to establish military appeals court in occupied territories [CSM 2/17]. In Tel Aviv, 800 attend conference organized by Israeli intellectuals demanding Israeli government begin peace talks with Palestinians [NYT 2/18]. Israeli High Court upholds army order banning distribution of al-Quds newspaper in occupied territories [FJ 2/21]. Jewish settlers raid 'Azzah refugee camp near Bethlehem, shoot and wound 1 youth [FJ 2/21].

Arab World: UNRWA announces the suspension of all activities in Lebanon requiring intemational staff, and transfer of operations from Lebanon to Syria [FJ 2/21].

Other Countries: Israeli P.M. Shamir ends 2-day visit to Italy [WP 2/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli riot police halt bus carrying Palestinian high school students from Haifa to Umm al-Fahm; several students are beaten. At least 1 Palestinian is shot, wounded during clash with Israeli soldiers in Jenin. In Qabatiyyah, 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded when soldiers open fire on demonstrators [WP 2/17]. Army seizes 3 school buildings for military posts in Nablus [FJ 2/21]. Palestinian demonstrators bum tires and throw stones at entrance to Gush Qatif settlement in Gaza. In Rafah camp 4 are wounded in clash with soldiers [FJ 2/21]. In Sura and Majd villages, near Hebron, protesters bum Israeli buses. Soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up demonstration in Fawwar refugee camp, wounding 9. Protests are held in Jenin refugee camp, Duhayshah camp and Bani Na'im village [FJ 2/21].