The Palestine Chronology

U.S. special envoy Ross continues shuttling btwn. Netanyahu, Arafat; says that as the 1st step toward salvaging the peace talks, Israel, the PA must work together to determine the identity of the 2 men responsible for the 7/30 bombings; says some progress has been made toward this end. In the evening, U.S., PA, Israeli security officials meet. (MM 8/11; ITV 8/11 in WNC 8/12; CSM, NYT, WP 8/12; MA 8/12 in WNC 8/12; JP 8/16)

During a brief confrontation, Palestinian youths angry over the closure clash with IDF troops at a checkpoint in Ramallah. (NYT 8/12)

1 Israeli injured in the 7/30 bombing dies, bringing death toll to 16, including the 2 bombers. (WP 8/12)

In Jerusalem, 150 Conservative, Reform Jewish men, women attempt to pray together at the Western Wall. They are jeered by Orthodox Jews, who call them "terrorists," "Hamas," "Christians"; are forcibly removed fr. the wall by Israeli police. (NYT 8/12)

Israel encourages Germany to take action against Hamas supporters suspected of operating in Berlin, Aachen. Israel charges that some 70 Hamas supporters have been fundraising in Germany since 1994. (Der Spiegel 8/11 in WNC 8/12)

Fmr. Jordanian FMin. official Muhammad al-Khalili announces the founding of Voice of Peace, a new newspaper to be published in Arabic, English, Hebrew. Israeli authors will be among the contributors. (al-Quds 8/11 in WNC 8/14)

IDF prevents an Amnesty International team fr. visiting al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon. (RL, VOL 8/11 in WNC 8/12)

After 40 hrs. of talks, ILMG recesses without taking a decision, plans to resume discussions 8/12. (RL 8/12 in WNC 8/13)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, in Helsinki, says success of DoP depends on Israel meeting 12/13 deadline for withdrawal fr. Gaza, Jericho. Israeli PM Rabin responds that "It wouldn't be so terrible if the withdrawal were delayed by two weeks," while FM Peres, on 1st visit by an Israeli minister to Albania, says "we can still be on time." (MM, WT 11/29)

Palestinian negotiator Ziyad Abu Zayyad suspends his participation in talks with Israelis on confidence-building measures in protest of Israeli position on prisoner release. (MM 11/29)

IDF undercover unit in Gaza kills Fateh Hawks mbrs. Ahmad Abu al-Rish, 23, and Farid Imtair, 21, in gunfight. Al-Rish had been granted amnesty earlier in the week and taken off IDF wanted list. (MM, NYT 11/29)

Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan scuttles M V Peace, the base for his pirate "Voice of Peace" radio station, which ceased broadcasting 10/1. (MM 11/29)

Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan and Israeli FM Peres meet each other, U.S. Pres. Clinton in Washington. 1st public meeting of Israeli and Jordanian leaders is followed by press conference to announce formation of joint comms. on economic cooperation, environment. (NYT, WP 10/2)

Donor nations' conference in Washington pledges $2.1 b. in aid to Palestinian entity over next 5 years. 43 nations represented pledge $600 m. in next year alone. Biggest donor is EC, pledging $600 m. over 5 years, followed by U.S. at $500 m. in same period. Japan promises $200 m. over 2 years, and Scandinavian countries $150 m. over an unspecified time. Saudi Arabia, ending its cutoff of support for Palestinians, promises $100 m. in 1st year, while Israel offers a$25 m. grant and a $50 m. loan. U.S. VP Al Gore delivers keynote address, while Secy. of State Christopher describes conference results as "a striking success however you measure it." PLO Chmn. Arafat, in Tunis, says aid is insufficient, maintaining that "at least we are in need of $5 billion." (NYT, WP, WT 10/2)

Veteran Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan shuts down his pirate "Voice of Peace" radio station after 20 years, saying PLO-Israel accord has created a new era. (WT 10/2)