Wednesday, March 16, 1988

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike continues in occupied territories. Def. Min. Rabin threatens to introduce additional sanctions in W. Bank and Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities close Hebron National Bus Co. for 1 week for honoring strike. Palestinian American political activist Mubarak 'Awad is arrested in Jerusalem on charges of organizing an illegal demonstration [WP 3/17]. Israel cuts phone lines to W. Bank, Gaza Strip [NYT 3/17]. Jews from Teqoa settlement attack Bethlehem-area village of Za'tara after demonstration; settlers bulldoze walls, damage water pipes, and smash windows of houses and cars before troops intervene [FJ 3/20].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan stresses that U.S. will not change or abandon peace proposals in talks with Israeli p.m. Shamir [CSM, WP 3/17]. Shamir suggests ceremonial opening for Arab-Israeli peace talks at U.S. -Soviet summit in Moscow [LAT 3/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrators in Tulkarm bum tires, block roads, and throw rocks at soldiers; troops respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, killing 3 and wounding at least 12. Palestinian is shot dead in West Bank village of Ya'bad [WP 3/171. Violent clashes are also reported in Gaza Strip's Khan Yunis and Nusayrat camps, Bethlehem's Duhayshah camp, Jalazun camp, and Jib village, near Ramallah [NYT 3/17]. Military curfews are in force in Qalqiliyyah, Jalazun camp, Tulkarm, Tulkarm camp, 'Azzun, and Nur Shams camp; Qabatiyyah and Yamun are sealed off [FJ 3/20].