Israeli High Court of Justice unanimously rejects appeals to allow back Palestinian deportees. Israel lifts 15-day-old closure in northern Gaza Strip, 7-day-old closure on parts of W. Bank; Palestinians uphold strike for 5th day. (IDF Radio 12/22 in FBIS 12/23; NYT, WP 12/23)
Hamas announces dissatisfaction with Arab and Islamic response to deportations, calling for intl. protection for the deportees and Arab withdrawal from the peace process. (MM 12/22)
Meretz submits 11-point plan to PM Rabin for improving o.t. conditions before the next round of peace talks. (MM 12/23)
Palestinian-Israelis observe 1-day general strike. (MM 12/22)
After 6 hours fierce debate, Kuwaiti National Council issues statement condemning Israel's expulsion of 415 Palestinians. (MM 12/23)
Jerusalem district court reopens appeal hearings for two Silwan families evicted in Oct. and Dec. 1991. The Jerusalem district attorney issued a brief to the court stating that the Custodian of Abandoned Properties improperly transferred the houses to a settler housing association, which may entitle the Palestinian families to compensation or reclamation of their homes. (MM 12/22