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Until Return

Important Dates in Palestinian Arab History
Compiled by: Nader Abuljebain
Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition

The following is a compilation of important dates and events in Palestinian Arab History for the months of October, November, December, January, February and March. We will include compilations for additional months with following issues of Until Return.

OCTOBER

  • October 14: Qibya Day
  • October 24: U.N. Day
  • October 26: Kufur Qasem Day
  • 1927 A conciliation conference was held between the Executive Committee and the Opposition in Wadi Hnin.
  • 1928 First attempt by some Zionist religious leaders to change “status quo” at Wailing Wall as a part of the Arab Quarter.
  • 1929 October 16 Jerusalem - First Arab Palestinian Women Union in Palestine founded at the First Arab Palestinian Women conference. Zalikha Al Shihabi elected as President.
  • 1930 Clashes erupted in Jaffa and spread to Jerusalem as reaction to huge influx of immigrants. British kill and injure many Palestinians. Musa Kazim Al Husseini injured. Died 5 months later due to injury.
  • 1944 October 16 - A confidential report submitted to the Haganah and Jewish Agency by Roberto Bachi, an expert in demography.  Bachi proposes Arab ‘transfer’ to ensure ‘Jewish majority’.
  • 1948 October 1 A conference is held in Amman on the orders of King Abdullah in opposition to the Gaza conference to nullify its legitimacy of representing Palestinians. The Amman conference lasts for 2 hours and delegates to King Abdullah the authority to speak on behalf of the Palestinian people.
  • 1948 October 14 UN Security Council resolution calls for withdrawal of forces to positions occupied prior to October 14, and the establishment of permanent truce lines.
  • 1948 October 14 The siege of Falujah begins, the town where Jamal Abdel Naser and his comrades were resisting steadfastly.
  • 1948 October 19 UNSC resolution #59 notes with concern Israel’s failure to report on the assassination of Count Bernadotte the U.N. mediator.
  • 1948 October 21 The fall of Beir Al Sabe (Beersheba).
  • 1948 Zionist massacers at Beir Al Sabe (October 21), Safsaf, Al Dawayima, Eilaboun, Jish, and Majd al Kurum (October 29), Arab al Samniyya, Saliha, and Sa’sa’ (October 30), Houla in Lebanon, Ba’na, and Dayr Al Asad (October 31).
  • 1948 October 31 Villages of Iqret and Kufur Baraam occupied.
  • 1953 October 15 Israeli forces raid Palestinian West Bank village of Qibya near Hebron, massacring 53 Palestinian civilians.
  • 1956 October 10 Qalqilia massacre.
  • 1956 October 29 Israel massacres 49 Palestinians in the Village of Kufur Qasem.
  • 1956 October 30 Israel expells the villagers of Al Baqara and Al Ghanama to Syria.
  • 1956 October 29 Second Arab-Israeli war (The Tripartite Aggression) often known as Suez crisis. After the nationalization of Suez Canal Company, Israel with Britain and France attack Egypt. Israel occupies Gaza Strip (under Egyptian administration since 1949) and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Israel subsequently withdraws on March 8 1957.
  • 1973 October 6 Egypt and Syria attempt to liberate territories Israel occupied 1967.
  • 1985 October 1 Israeli raid on PLO Head Quarters in Tunis
  • 1985 October 4 UNSC resolution #573 condemning the Israeli attack. US abstains.
  • 1990 October 8 Al Haram Al-Sharif massacre. 21 Palestinians killed, 150 wounded by Israeli forces when Palestinians protest at “Temple Mt Faithful” Jewish group who attempt to place a cornerstone for the construction of the “3rd Temple”. UNSC condemns Violence of Israeli security forces in 2 resolutions #672 on October 12, and # 673 on October 24. Latter deplored Israel’s refusal to cooperate with the U.N.
  • 1991 October 9 Hundreds of Jewish settlers invade Silwan, on outskirts of East Jerusalem, and occupy 8 Palestinian homes.
  • 1991 October 10 Palestinian negotiators Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi, Zakariya al-Agha, Sari Nusseibeh meet Secretary of State Baker in Washington to discuss Palestinian participation in proposed peace conference.
  • 1991 October 19 Palestinian leader Faisal Husseini submits list of 14 Palestinian delegates to peace conference to US consul in Jerusalem.
  • 1991 October 23 Members of the Jewish Ateret Cohanim Seminary move into a house in the Muslim quarter of East Jerusalem.
  • 1991 October 30 U.S. initiates International Peace Conference in Madrid, Spain. Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and PLO delegation under Jordanian umbrella attend the conference. Russia and U.S. are co-chairs.
  • 1994 October 26 Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Jordan’s King Hussein sign a Peace Treaty between Jordan and Israel.
  • 2002 October 7 Israeli attacks Khan Yunis.
  • 2003 October 8 U.S. vetoes UNSC resolution on condemning Israeli air raid on Damascus suburbs.
  • 2003 October 14 U.S. vetoes UNSC resolution condemning Israel for building an annexation/apartheid wall on Palestinian lands.
  • 2005 Israeli troops committ horrific massacres in Gaza and the Refugee Camps (October, November).

NOVEMBER

  • November 1: Martyr Child Day
  • November 11: Al Takaful Al Osari Day
  • November 15: Independence Day
  • November 29: International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
  • 1917 November 2 The British Foreign Minister, pledges British support for a “Jewish national home in Palestine” known as the Balfour Declaration when Jews in Palestine were less than 8% of the total population. The Palestinian population was 750,000 at the time.
  • 1918 November 2 Reorganizing the Ottoman Turkish governances (Wilayat) by Allied occupation forces. Separating the two regions of Nablus and Acre from the governance (Wilayat) of Beirut.
  • 1927 Palestinian Journalists hold a conciliation and unity conference calling in Jaffa.
  • 1930 Palestinian Christian Orthodox conference held in Jerusalem.
  • 1935 November 17 Conference for Arab Christian Orthodox Youth held in Ramleh.
  • 1938 November 8 Blue paper of Sir Woodhead of the Royal Commission concluds that a voluntary ‘transfer’ is not going to happen and compulsory transfer of population was ruled out. So the commission presented another plan for the partitioning of Palestine to include a Jewish state.
  • 1947 November 17 Golda Mayer and King Abdullah of Jordan meet. Abdullah agrees to a Jewish state in return for annexing all Arab parts of the partition plan to Trans-Jordan.
  • 1947 November 29 UNGA Resolution 181 recommends slight variant of UNSCOP partition plan by 33 to 13 votes with 10 abstentions. Arab Higher Committee rejects Partition Plan. Arab representatives walk out of assembly.
  • 1948 November 15 Villagers of Iqrit and Kufur Baraam expelled.
  • 1948 - 1949 Between November 1948 and mid 1949, Israeli troops expel inhabitants of villages that are 5-15 km inside Lebanese border, followed by inhabitants of Palestinian villages in Galilee.
  • 1948 Massacres at Abu Zreik (1), and Arab Al Mawasi (2).
  • 1953 November 24 UNSC resolution #101 expresses “strongest censure of Israel for Qibya raid".
  • 1956 Massacres in towns of Khan Younis and Rafah.
  • 1957 November 21 Israel finishes drying of Al Houleh Lake.
  • 1966 November 13 Israeli forces attack Palestinian West Bank village of Al Samu’ causing heavy casualties and dynamiting 125 houses.
  • 1966 November 25 UNSC #228 censures Israel’s attack on Samu.
  • 1967 November 22, UNSC #242 reiterates “the Inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war”.
  • 1975 November 10 UNGA adopts 3379 (XXX) which determines that Zionism is a form of Racism.
  • 1977 November 19-21 Egyptian President Anwar Sadat makes shameful visit to Zionist State.
  • 1978 November 29 UN declares date The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
  • 1988 November 15 At end of 19th Palestinian National Council in Algiers, which started 12 November, PLO declares Palestinian Statehood, endorses UNGA Partition Resolution 181 and UNSC #242 recognizing the Zionist state of Israel.
  • 1991 November 19 Israeli police and border guards raid offices of Islamic court in East Jerusalem seizing hundreds of documents in search of "subversive" literature. Documents include court records documenting Palestinian land and property rights.
  • 2002 1, 15 November Israeli attacks on Rafah.
  • 2006 November 8 US vetoes UNSC resolution condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. (Vote: 10 for, 4 abstentions, 1 veto)
  • 2007 Annapolis Conference suggests that the "Road Map" be implemented in order to reenergize stagnant "peace process". 

DECEMBER

  • December 8: Intifada Day
  • December 10: Human Rights Day
  • 1917 December 7 Surrender of Jerusalem to Allenby by mayor Hussein Salim Al Husayni (son of Salim al Husayni who was Jerusalem’s mayor in 19th century).
  • 1920 December 13 Third Palestinian National Congress held in Haifa stressed autonomy of Palestine and elected Executive Committee which led Palestinian political movement from 1920 to 1935.
  • 1920 December 23 Marking borders of Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Palestine.
  • 1931 December 16 Jerusalem Pan Islamic conference with participation of delegates from 22 countries in support of the Palestinian people.
  • 1947 Haganah calls up all Jews in Palestine ages 17-25 to register for military service. Launches Plan Gimmel, designed to destabilize Palestinian population and occupy strategic positions in country.
  • 1947 Arab League organizes Arab Liberation Army (ALA), a voluntary force of Arab irregulars under guerrilla leader Fawzi al-Qawiqji to help Palestinians resist partition.
  • 1947 Palestinians start three-day strike protesting UN partition resolution.  Inter-communal clashes result in death of eight Zionists and six Palestinians.
  • 1947 Haganah attacks the Abu Kbier quarters in Jaffa, and commits a massacre.
  • 1947 December 11 Zionists bomb buses in Haifa.
  • 1947 December 19 Haganah attacks village of Khiskhas (Safad district) and commits a massacre.
  • 1947 December 20 Haganah attacks village of Qazaza (Ramleh district) and commits a massacre.
  • 1947 December 28, 31 Zionist gangs attackand commit a massacre in the villages of Beit Soriek and Balad Al Sheikh.
  • 1947 Arab Higher Committee organizes 275 local committees for defense of Palestinian towns and villages.
  • 1947 Irgun gang attacks the village of Beit Darras.
  • 1947 Two Syrian small units enter Palestine under the commands of officers Adib Shishakly (Al Yarmouk Second unit) and Mohammad Safa (Al Yarmouk First unit).
  • 1948 December 10 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is announced and includes Right to Return.
  • 1948 December 10 The Convention against torture.
  • 1948 December 11 UNGA 194 affirms the right of the Palestinians to return to their original homes.
  • 1948 December 1, 15, 25 - Three conferences held in Palestinian cities of Jericho, Ramallah and Nablus to reconfirm the earlier decisions of Amman conference and to call for unification of East and West Banks of Jordan River, and to hold general elections to elect representatives for one parliament.
  • 1948 December 18 The massacre of the village of Al Khassas.
  • 1948 December 22 - January 6, Operation Horev launched to drive Egyptians out of southern coastal strip and the Naqab.
  • 1948 Israeli troops move into Sinai until British pressure forces withdrawal (December).
  • 1948 Israeli Army Alexandroni brigade’s attack on isolated Egyptian forces in Faluja pocket is repulsed.
  • 1948 Massacers committed at Um Alshouf (30 December), and Jeez (31 December).
  • 1958 December 8 air battle between Egyptian and Israeli forces over Al Ariesh.
  • 1958 Large conference held in Nazareth against Military Rule. The conference included Arab and Israeli left groups.
  • 1958 Confrontations between Zionist Occupation Forces and demonstrators in Nazareth.
  • 1949 December 8 UNGA 302 UN adopts UNRWA which was established specifically for Palestinian Refugees on May 1.
  • 1949 December 19 UNGA 303 calls for the Internationalization of Jerusalem.
  • 1954 Massacre at town of Qabatia.
  • 1968 December 28 Israeli forces destroy Lebanese civilian planes at Beirut International Airport. December 31 UNCS262 Condemns Israel for attack on Beirut Airport.
  • 1969 December 9 UNGA adopts 2535 (XXIV) reaffirming the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine.
  • 1970 December 8 UNGA A/RES/2672 (XXV) A-D reaffirms right to return.
  • 1975 Municipal elections in West Bank: Israel had deported some of the major nationalist challengers (Dr Ahmad Hamzi Natsche from Hebron & Dr ‘Abd al-‘Aziz al-Hajj from al-Birah both sent to Lebanon), but, with 72% turnout, PLO & nationalist candidates largely successful, eg Bassam al-Shak‘a (Nablus), Fahd Qawasma (Hebron), Karim Khalaf (Ramallah), Ibrahim Tawil (al-Bira). Together with other notables, these mayors form the National Guidance Committee in October 78.
  • 1980 December 19 UNCS 484 declares imperative that Israel re-admit two Palestinian mayors.
  • 1981 December 14 Israel unilaterally annexes Golan Heights. December 17 UNSC #497 decids annexation “null and void” and demands Israel rescind its decision forthwith.
  • 1981 December 19 UNSC #498 calls on Israel to withdraw from Lebanon.
  • 1986 December 8 UNSC #592 strongly deplores killing of Palestinian students at Bir Zeit University by Israeli troops. US abstains. 
  • 1986 Israel commits an air raid massacre against Palestinian civilians in Naher Al-Bared Refugee Camp, Lebanon.
  • 1988 December 8 Start of Intifada or uprising against Israeli occupation in Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israeli attempts to crush the Intifada condemned around the world.
  • 1988 December 21 Major Demonstrations in 1948 areas in support of Intifada on Peace Day.
  • 1988 December 22 UNSC 605 strongly deplores Israel’s policies and practices denying human rights to Palestinians. US abstains.
  • 1988 December 14 US vetoes a UNSC resolution deploring Israel’s December 9 commando raids on Lebanon. (Vote: 14 to 1)
  • 1990 December 20 UNSC #681 deplores Israel’s resumption of deportation of Palestinians and violation of Fourth Geneva Convention. 
  • 1992 December 17 Israel expells 415 Palestinians to Marj Al Zohour in Lebanon. December 19 UNSC #799 deplores these deportations and calls for their immediate return.
  • 1993 December 4 US vetoes UNSC resolution urging Israel to allow the return of 101 Palestinian Deportees. (Vote: 14 to 1)
  • 1994 December 27 West Bank Palestinians clash with Israeli forces over building of new settlements near Bethlehem.
  • 1996 December 10 Israel issues permits for the building of 132 housing units in Ras al-Amud East Jerusalem.
  • 2001 December 15 US vetoes a proposed UNSC resolution concerned about the situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. (Vote: 12 for, 2 abstentions, 1 veto)
  • 2003 December 1 Abed Rabbo-Beilin Geneva Accord signed. Lays out plan for “peace agreement” between Israel and the Palestinian people limiting Right of Return.
  • 2003 Israelis commit many massacres in Gaza Strip and its refugee camps (January-March, April, May, September-October), Beit Lahia (April), Rafah (May), Beit Hanoun (June), and Khan Younis (December). 

JANUARY

    January 1: Modern Palestinian Revolution

  • 1917 British troops enter Palestine through Rafah. Reach Jerusalem December.
  • 1919 January 3 betrayal by Emir Feisal Ibn al-Hussein al-Hashemi with the President of the World Zionist Organization, Dr. Chaim Weizmann - acceptance of border separation between Arab state and Palestine, Balfour Declaration, and Zionist immigration to Palestine. Rejected by Palestinians.
  • 1919 January 27 First Palestinian National Congress. Conference produces first National Charter. Sends two memoranda to Peace Conference, Versailles France, rejecting British mandate, Balfour Declaration, and Zionist immigration to Palestine. Demands full Palestinian independence. Calls for unity of Palestine and Syria and refers to Palestine as Southern Syria. Sends delegation to Damascus in support of Arab Government.
  • 1932 January 1-4 First Arab Youth Conference in Jaffa. Chaired by Issa Al Bandak.
  • 1935  January 25 Jerusalem First Conference for Muslim Clergy.
  • 1949 January 7 Internationally imposed ceasefire.
  • 1950 January 23 Israel declares Jerusalem capital in defiance of U.N.
  • 1956 Many Israeli attacks and raids on Syria.
  • 1956 January 19 UNSC #111 condemns Israel for raid on Syria killing 56 civilians.
  • 1958 January 22 UNSC #127 recommends Israel suspend no-man’s zone in Jerusalem.
  • 1978 President Jimmy Carter recognizes Palestinians’ right to "a" homeland (instead of "their" homeland).
  • 1979 January 19 UNSC # 444 deplores Israel’s lack of cooperation with U.N. peace force.
  • 1982 US vetoes UNSC resolution demanding Israel’s withdrawal from Golan Heights (Vote: 10 to 1 with 4 abstentions).
  • 1985 January 3 Start of Flasha immigration campaign from Ethiopia to Tel Aviv via Sudan.
  • 1986 January 17 US vetoes UNSC resolution deploring Israel’s violence in southern Lebanon (Vote: 11 to 1 - 3 abstentions).
  • 1986 January 30 US vetoes UNSC resolution deploring Israel’s activities that threaten sanctity of Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. (Vote: 13 to 1 with 1 abstention).
  • 1989 January 12 UNSC grants PLO right to speak directly to the council as "Palestine" on same level as UN member nation.
  • 1992 January 6 UNSC #726 condemns Israel’s decision "to resume deportation of Palestinians from the Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem.”
  • 1992 January 13-16: 3rd round of talks in Washington between Israel and separate Jordanian & Palestinian delegations. Palestinians propose autonomous Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with 180 elected officials managing 5-year transition to full independence. Syria asks for evacuation of Golan. Israel asks for explicit Syrian recognition.
  • 1993 January 19 Kenesset revokes 1986 law prohibiting contact with PLO. Secret negotiations between PLO and Israel begin in Sarpsborg, Norway.
  • 1996 January 20 first Palestinian elections in West Bank and Gaza Strip for 88 members of Palestinian Legislative Council and Palestinian National Authority president. Intimidation by Israel in Jerusalem. Elsewhere turnout high. Central Election Committee: 73% in West Bank, 88% in Gaza Strip. Many strong independent candidates elected to Council including Dr. Haidar ‘Abd al-Shafi who received highest number of votes of any candidate. Ran on anti-Oslo platform in PNA’s ‘capital’ and Gaza City. Fatah wins 68 seats total (47 official, 21 unofficial). Others: 12 secular-nonaffiliated, 7 Islamist & 1 secular party.
  • 1996 January 15 Netanyahu promises to implement promised partial pullout from Hebron, West Bank.
  • 1997 January 1 off-duty Israeli soldier fires on Hebron central market, injuring 8 Palestinians.
  • 2001 January 21 Talks begin at Taba, Egypt; Israel claims increases in territorial "offer" while Palestinians submit draft article on refugees. Israel provides “private response”.
  • 2002 January 14 Israel prohibits PA ministers from attending London conference on Palestinian reform.
  • 2003 January 25, 26 Israel launches series of attacks on Gaza City's Zaytun district kills 14. Massacres committed by Israeli troops in Gaza Strip (January-June, October and December), and Rafah (December).
  • 2006 January 25, Second Palestinian Legislative Council election. Hamas wins majority of seats. Forms PA cabinet as requested.

FEBRUARY

  • 1920 Major demonstrations in Palestine, against assigning of  British Mandate by the San Remo Conference. (27 February). Second Palestinian National Congress  held in Damascus  27 February as part of The General Syrian Conference, since it was prevented from being held in Palestine by the British authorities.
  • 1936 The Second Conference for the Muslim Clergy held in Jerusalem on 14 February.
  • 1939 Round Table Conference on Palestine at St. James' Palace, London, followed by "MacDonald White Paper" disclaiming any intention to create a Jewish state, placing restrictions on Jewish immigration and land purchase and envisages an independent state in Palestine within 10 years. (February). Sadhij Nassar (wife of Najib Nassar, owner of Al-Karmel newspaper) is first woman arrested under British Defense Emergency Regulations, and held for 18 months. (23 Feb)
  • 1948 Ben-Gurion issues orders to Haganah commander in Jerusalem for conquest of Holy City and its suburbs. Haganah calls up men and women aged 25 - 35 for military service. Zionists plant explosives, and committ massacres Al Teireh (10), Sa’Sa’ (14), Qisarya (15), Al Salam Bldg. in Jerusalem (20), and Wadi ‘Ara (27). Jewish Agency announces it will establish state without backing of an international force. British troops begin withdrawal from Palestine giving  camps and arms to the Zionists.
  • 1949 24 February : Israeli-Egyptian Armistice Agreement: Egypt keeps coastal strip Gaza-Rafah and evacuates Faloujah pocket. Armistice Agreement. End of February  Israeli units coerce 2-3,000 villagers into leaving Faloujah pocket violating Israeli-Egyptian agreement.
  • 1951 Israel commits massacre of Sharafat village near Jerusalem (27 February)
  • 1954 Israeli raids on Palestinian West Bank and Gaza Strip. (February)
  • 1955 Israeli raid on Egyptian army camp near Gaza City railway station kills 38 Egyptians. (February)
  • 1962 Israel destroys Syrian village of Al Tawafiq on 1 February.
  • 1969 5th Palestinian National Council convenes in Cairo on 1 February. Yasser Arafat becomes president of the PLO after Palestinian Resistance factions join the PLO.
  • 1970 Israel attacks Egyptian factory in Abu Za'bal killing 80 workers (12 February)
  • 1971 8th Palestinian National Council convenes in Cairo  28 February, establishes unified command of the Palestinian revolution; affirms the slogan of the Democratic State.
  • 1973 Israeli air force shoots down civilian Libyan plane over Sinai desert killing 104 passengers 21 February. Israeli commandos attack guerrilla offices in refugee camps in N.Lebanon, killing 40 Palestinians. (21 February)
  • 1983 16th Palestinian National Council convenes in Algiers on 14-21 February, rejects Reagan plan and states that Fez plan is the minimum acceptable. Envisions future relations with Jordan as "a confederation between two independent states".
  • 1984 4 February  Israeli fighter jets force a Libyan civilian airplane, in a piracy high-jacking to land in Israel, believing Dr. George Habash, Secretary General of the PFLP, was on board.
  • 1985 Accord between Jordan and the PLO to accommodate Reagan’s peace initiative on 12  February.
  • 1986 US vetoes UNSC resolution 6 February which condemned Israel’s hijacking of Libyan passenger plane on February 4 (Vote: 10 to 1 with 1 abstention).
  • 1988 January/February: United National Leadership of the Uprising (UNLU) (Al-Qiyada al-Wataniyya al-Muwahhada li’l Intifada) formed to promote intifada, on the initiative of local PF/DFLP, PCP Al Jihad and Fatah leaders. UNLU coordinates the Palestinian boycott of US Sec State Shultz’s visit (February) and mass resignation of 625 Palestinian police officers (10-12Mar). Israeli government orders deportation of 9 Palestinians from WBG on 3 January and UNSC issued resolution # 607 5 January 5, calling on Israel not to deport Palestinians and ‘strongly requesting’ it abide by the Forth Geneva Convention. UNSC again issued resolution # 608 on 14 January  ‘deeply regretting’ Israel defiance of the U.N. and deported Palestinian civilians. The US again vetoed UNSC resolution 1 February  calling on Israel to ‘abandon its policies’ against Palestinians, that violate rights of occupied peoples, to abide by the Fourth Geneva Convention and formalize a leading role for the U.N. in future peace negotiations. (Vote: 14 to 1)
  • 1989 Palestinian-Israeli meeting at Notre Dame Hotel, between East and West Jerusalem. Israelis: Deputy Finance Min. Yossi Beilin, Peres's adviser Nimrod Novik; former head of the Civil Administration in the West Bank Ephraim Sneh; MK Avraham Burg; Dr.Yair Hirschfeld, Haifa University, Boaz Carmi and Arye Ofri. Palestinians: Faisal Husseini, Sari Nusseibeh, Ziad Abu Zayyad, Hanan Ashrawi, Ghassan Khatib, Sam'an Khouri, Mamduh Aker, and Khalil Mahshi. (16 February). Third round of Palestinian-Israeli talks in Jerusalem. Palestinians headed by Faisal Husseini, and the Israelis by Shinui leaders Amnon Rubinstein and Avraham Poraz. Previous meetings were between Faisal Husseini, Sari Nusseibeh and other Palestinians with Yossi Beilin, Haim Ramon and Avraham Burg as well as Mapam's Yair Tsaban. (17 February). US vetoes three proposed UNSC resolutions against Zionist crimes during the Intifada on 17 February , which ‘strongly deplored’ Israel’s repression of the Palestinian uprising and called on Israel to respect the human rights of the Palestinians (Vote: 14 to 1).
  • 1992 Israeli Apache helicopter gunships kill Shaykh Abbas Musawi, Hizbullah’s S-G, his wife and their 5yr old son, in Lebanon . Hassan Nasrallah takes over as S-G of the organization. ( 16 February )
  • 1994 Baruch Goldstein, a Zionist Terrorist opened fire on the praying people at Al Haram Al Ibrahimi in Hebron and killed 29 people. (February). UNSC issued resolution # 904 on 18 March  condemning the murder of Palestinians in the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron by an Israeli Colonizer (Settler), with the US abstention.
  • 2001 The criminal Ariel Sharon elected Israel’s PM on 6 February .Israel assassinates Palestinian leader Massud Ayad, a Force 17 officer in Gaza, 13 February. Israel assassinates Palestinian leader Mahmud al-Madani, a Hamas leader in Nablus on 19 February. Random Israeli attacks & bombardment from helicopter gunships & sea. (14 February).
  • 2002 Israel launches partial reoccupations of Jenin & Balata refugee camps. ( 27 February - 14 March)
  • 2007 Arab Knesset member Dr. Azmi Bishara escapes Zionist attempts to assassinate him. (February)

MARCH

    * March 8: International Woman’s Day.
    * March 9: Martyr’s Day – Palestine.
    * March 21: AlKaramah Battle and Palestinian Mother’s Day.
    * March 30: Land Day.

  • 1920 First Palestinian attacks on Zionist colonies on the Syrian Boarders. (1 March). Demonstrations celebrating  Inauguration of Fisal as the King of Syria. (8 March)
  • 1924 Major disturbances for second time in Jaffa in March.
  • 1937 Zionist terrorist organizations planted explosives in Haifa and Jerusalem Markets, in March
  • 1948 Al Qawiqji enters Palestine and assumes command of ALA units in central Palestine. Haganah declares general mobilization. Palestinian Arabs blow up  empty buildings of The Jewish Agency, Palestine Post Newspaper, and Keren Kayemeth ( Jewish National Fund). Arrival of Jabal Al Arab Brigade under the command of Shakib Wahab. Irgun Zionist gangs attack and commit the massacre of the villages of Beit Darras (16 March). Haganah completes destruction of Abu Kbier Quarters in Jaffa (31 March). British House of Commons votes to terminate Mandate 15 May. US delegate asks UN Security Council to suspend action on partition plan and to convene General Assembly special session to work on a trusteeship and truce if Jews also accept. Jewish Agency rejects trusteeship. Ben-Gurion declares Jewish state dependent not on UN partition decision, but on Jewish military preponderance. U.S. President Truman secretly receives Chaim Weizmann at the White House and pledges support for the declaration of a Jewish [NOTE- according to papers at the Truman library the Truman statement recognized the state but crossed out the word ‘Jewish’] state at the end of the British Mandate, on May 15th. Zionists plant explosives at Al Ramleh Market, and various trains in Haifa (30, 31 March), committed massacres at Abu Kbeir near Jaffa (31 March)
  • 1949 Israeli Negev and Golani brigades complete occupation of Negev as far as Umm Rashrash and names it Eilat. (8 March) Israeli-Lebanese Armistice Agreement: Frontier of Mandate Palestine accepted; Israel withdraws from most Lebanese territory (23 March)
  • 1952 Arab Boycott of Israel offices established on 16 March
  • 1954 The massacre of the town of Nahaleen (28 March)
  • 1955 UN Security Council issued resolution #106 on 2 March , condemning Israel for raid on Gaza. Demonstrations in Gaza for the arming of the people.
  • 1962 Battle of Tel Al Neirab, between Syria and Israel on 16 March.
  • 1968 Major battle of Al Karamah, where the Palestinian resistance and the Jordanian army, stopped an Israeli attack on the village east of the Jordan River on ? March. UNSC resolution # 248  March 24 condemned Israel for its massive attack on Karamah.
  • 1970 Israeli shells residential quarters in Al Mansoura, Egypt (March)
  • 1976 Yom Al Ard (Land Day) against land theft and other war crimes in the Gallilee by Zionist occupier on 30 March. Becomes a day of international solidarity with the Palestinian people. US vetoes UNSC resolutions 25 March to deplore Israel’s alteration of status of Jerusalem, which is recognized as an international city by most of world nations and the United Nations. (Vote: 14 to 10)
  • 1977 13th Palestinian National Council convenes in Cairo on 12-20 March, demands the creation of an independent Palestinian State.
  • 1978 Israeli Occupation of Southern Lebanon. Bombings by Israel Air Force and commits massacres of civilians in Lebanese villages: Kawnin, Al Awzaie, AlKhayam, Rashia Church,Abbasieh, and Adloun. (14 March) UNSC Resolution 425 Called for ‘immediate withdrawal’ of Israeli forces from Lebanon, 19 March.
  • 1982 11 March: Israel outlaws National Guidance Committee on the West Bank, prompting mass demonstrations from Palestinians, leading to 28 deaths. Mayors of Al-Bireh, Nablus, Ramallah, Anabta dismissed and replaced with Israeli officials (18 Mar - 30 Apr); 24 Arab mayors suspend work in protest, & Israel dismisses mayors of Jenin (6 July) & Gaza (9 July).
  • 1985 US vetoes UNSC resolution on 12 March condemning Israeli brutality in southern Lebanon, and denouncing Israeli “Iron Fist” policy of repression. (Vote: 11 to 1 with 3 abstentions) Israel committed air raids/massacres and planted car bombs in the Lebanese towns of Beir Al A’bed, Seer Al Gharbiah, Zrariah, Homeen Al-Tahta, Jiba’a Yohmor, Maa’raka in March and April, killing many civilians and Hizbullah leaders.
  • 1991 In Jerusalem, US Sec. of State Baker holds separate meetings with Zionist terrorist PM Shamir and group of 10 Palestinians, led by Faisal Husseini. (12 March)
  • 1994 Israelis commit massacre at the Jabalya Refugee Camp. (March)
  • 1997 Peace process deadlocked by Netanyahu's authorization of new Jewish Colonies (settlements) in east Jerusalem (18 March ), after US vetoed two proposed UNSC resolutions on 7 March, calling for Israel to stop plans to build settlements in Jabal Abu Ghneim (Har Homa) in Jerusalem (Vote: 14 to 1) and on 21 March proposal to condemn Israeli settlement in Jabal Abu Ghuneim. (Vote: 14 to 1).
  • 1998 Hamas Muhieddin Sharif dies in an explosion in Ramallah by the Israeli Mossad. (29 March)
  • 2000 Pope John Paul II visits Palestine the Holy Land on 21 March.
  • 2001 US vetoes proposed UNSC resolution March 27 that condemned Israeli violence and called for immediate cease-fire. (Vote: 9 for, 4 abstentions, 1 non-participant, 1 veto)
  • 2002 Israel launches partial reoccupations of Jenin & Balata refugee camps. (27 February - 14 March). Massive raids on 4 March, killing hundreds of Palestinians in five days, in Gaza Strip.
  • 2004 US vetoes a proposed resolution on 27 March that condemned the Israel’s assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin in Gaza. (Vote: 11 for, 4 abstentions, 1 veto)
  • 2005 London Meeting Supporting the Palestinian Authority convenes, attended by FMs and senior representatives from the US, Europe and Arab countries, to help PA build its institutions. (1 March) Palestinian factions meeting in Cairo declare an open-ended but conditional truce (Hudna) with Israel. 17 March

APRIL

  • April 3: 1936 Beginning of Great Arab Rebellion and famous 6 month Strike
  • April 9: 1948 Deir Yassin
  • April 15: National Anthem Day
  • April 17: Prisoner Day

1918 Formation of the Moslem-Christian Committees in Jaffa and Jerusalem, spreading through the different Palestinian cities, in April.

1920 British civilian administration inaugurated, after the decision of San Remo Peace Conference on 25 April; Sir Herbert Samuel appointed as the first high commissioner.

1933 Palestinian Arab women march to holy sites to protest  British Lord Allenby's visit. Tarab Abdul Hadi speaks in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Matiel Mogannam in the Dome of the Rock mosque warning of the replacement of Arab population of Palestine with Jewish immigrants.(19 April)

1935 The Arab Palestinian Party (Al-Hizb al-Arabi al-Filistini) - Haj Amin and Jamal Al Husseini, founded April 24th.

1936 The great Arab Revolution (1936-39), formation of National Committees in cities, towns, and ruler areas, and the beginning of the famous 6 months strike demanding a Palestinian national government and an end to Zionist immigration. The British escalated oppressive measures and large parts of the Old City of Jaffa were demolished. Took three years to put down the rebellion.

1946 The Anglo-American Committee report estimates size of Jewish armed forces at around 61-69,000 and declares “private armies” illegal.  The committee recommended admission of 100,000 Jews into Palestine and abolition of Land Transfers Regulations, and to establish a state with equally shared power between the Arabs and Jews. Proposal rejected by the Palestinians, the British and the Zionists.

1948 Haganah launches Operation Nachshon (first phase of Plan Dalet); Haganah Giv’ati Brigade and other units capture villages along Tel-Aviv - Jerusalem road from local Palestinian militia. Haganah startsoffensive against Palestinian town of Tiberius(5). Haganah captures Palestinian village of Castal, west of Jerusalem, expelling its inhabitants.‘Abd al-Qader al-Husseini, charismatic Palestinian Resistance militia commander in Jerusalem district, is killed leading counterattack to recover Castal village. Irgun and Stern Gang massacre some 120 inhabitants in village of Deir Yassin, western suburb of Jerusalem and three miles from Castal (9). Second coastal “clearing” operation carried out by Haganah Alexandroni brigade and other units. Attacks and expulsions drive out almost all-Palestinian communities from coastal area from Haifa to Jaffa prior to British withdrawal. UN Security Council resolutions call for a special session of General Assembly and agree to US proposal for truce to be arranged through Jewish Agency and Arab Higher Committee. Palestinian and Zionist leaders object to US proposals presented to Security Council for temporary trusteeship agreement. General Zionist Council decides to establish independent Jewish State in Palestine on May 16th. Operation Har’el under Plan Nachshon. Villages along Jerusalem road attacked and demolished (13-20). The village of Nasereddine and Qalonia, Al Lajoun massacres (13). All subsequent Haganah operations until May 15th undertaken within framework of Plan Dalet (to drive Palestinians off their lands and homes into the West Bank, by any means necessary) British troops evacuated the town of Safadon the 16th. Haganah started on the 17th of April, an offensive against town of Safad, and committed massacres at Khirbet Wa’ra al-Sawada (18), Husayniyya (21), and Balad ash Sheikh (25). The fall of the town of Tiberius (18). US submit Palestine trusteeship plan to UN. 
British suddenly evacuate residential quarters of Haifa. Haganah launches Operation Misparayim to attack and occupy Haifa (22). Resistance of local Palestinian militia in Haifa collapses. Haifa’s Palestinian population flees under combined shelling and ground offensives. Launching of Operation Chametz to conquer Jaffa, Haganah attacks suburban villages of Tell Rish, Yazur and Salameh (25-31). Haganah announces coordination of plans with Irgun. Palestinian ALA unit under Michel Issa succeeds in fighting its way into Jaffa in order to break Haganah siege. The fall of the village of Samakh in northern Palestine (28). Launching Operation Yevussi for conquest of whole of Jerusalem; Haganah attacks Palestinian residential quarter of Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem, cutting off the city from north, but are forced to hand it over to the British. Haganah’s attempt at cutting off Jerusalem from Jericho fails (30). All Palestinian quarters in West Jerusalem occupied by Haganah and residents driven out (30)

1949 April 3: Israeli-Jordanian Armistice Agreement. Jordan takes over Iraqi-held Nablus-Jenin-Tulkarem triangle but is forced to cede area around Wadi ‘Ara; Israel controls Chadera-Afula road; existing status quo in Jerusalem accepted by the Zionist forces and Arab Legion. More areas in the Triangle were ceded by King Abdullah of Jordan to the Zionists outside the Rhodes negotiations, up to 3 April.

1950 The West Bank is formally unified with the East Bank and brought under the control of Jordan on April 24.

1953 Many Palestinian civilians killed by the Zionist terror at the Jerusalem-Damascus Gate.

1956 Many Israeli attacks and raids on Gaza.

1959 Massacre against the Palestinians in Rafah. Split of the Nationalists from the Central Committee of the Popular Democratic Front in the Occupied Territories. Founding of Al Ard (the Land) Movement in occupied Palestine. The Central Committee of al Ard included Habib Qahwaji, Sabri Jiryes, Saleh Bransi (Al Taybeh), Mansour Kardoush, Fakhri Jdai (Yafa), Elias Muamer, Abdel Rahman Yahia, Mahmoud Al Sorouji (Akka), Mahmoud Darwish, Fawzi Al Asmar, Tawfiq Suliman Odeh, Hanna Musmar (Al Naserah), Zaki Al Bahri Haifa, Mohamad Mia’ri, and Anis Kardoush. Publishing many newspapers in the names of Al Ard, Shatha Al Ard, Al Ard Al Tayibah, Sarkhat Al Ard, Dam Al Ard, Rouh Al Ard, etc. Founding of 15 Cultural Clubs. Imprisoning of the Central Committee members. Founding of Al Ard Company in 1960. Announcing Harakat Al Ard to the Public in 1964.  Entering the elections in the name of the Socialist List.

1961 UN Security Council issued resolution # 162 on April 11, urging Israel to comply with U.N. decisions to refrain from holding military parade in Jerusalem. The item “Question of Palestine” is restated on the agenda of the U.N. General Assembly.

1962 UNSC issued reso. # 171 on Apr. 9 determining  “flagrant violation“ by Israel in its attack on Syria

1965 President Bourguiba of Tunisia proposes Arab recognition of Israel on terms of the 1947 UN Partition Resolution. (March 6, April 21)

1967 Jan-Apr: Syrian-Israel border clashes, culminating on 7April when Syria fired on Israeli armored tractors in the border demilitarized zone, provoking large Israeli response in which at least 14 civilians in Siqufiya were killed; Syria accepts a UN ceasefire, but Israel rejects; and Israeli jets shot down 6 Syrian fighter planes, 4 of them over Damascus, in a series of aerial battles.

1968 UNSC resolution # 250 on Apr.27 called upon Israel to refrain from holding military parade in Jerusalem.

1969 UNSC resolution # 265 on April 1 condemned Israel for attack on Salt in Jordan. Mass demonstrations in Lebanon in support of fida’iyyun & widespread public disorder, after army arrest a group of guerrillas; State of emergency declared. Karami resigns, but remains in post through crisis; Nasir, to keep military pressure on Israel, negotiates with Lebanese army commander, Imil Bustani, firstly a draft protocol (Apr), & after further fighting, the ceding of S. Lebanon to PLO guerrillas the ‘Cairo Agreement’ (3Nov): the basis for relations until 1974, but also the source of Phalangist anger. Bustani is replaced by the more hard-line Jean Njaim as army commander on 7 Jan 70.

1972 King Hussein of Jordan proposes the “United Arab Kingdom”, of a Palestinian (West Bank and Gaza Strip), and a Jordanian part, that both be under his rule. Strongly condemned by PLO and Egypt, fearing separate Jordan-Israel agreement. They break off relations. PLO convenes a "Palestine People's Congress" in Cairo, on 6-10Apr, opposes the UAK. The 10th Palestinian National Council convenes in Cairo on April 6. Reaffirms the opposition to the UAK. Israeli raid  launched against Hamma, Syria. 7 April, Israeli piper planes flew over the village of Akraba, spraying a chemical defoliant over the villagers’ wheat crops, forcibly confiscated 100,000 dunums (25,000 acres) of villagers’ land.

1973 Israeli Terrorist force raided  Fakhani Quarters in Beirut in April and assassinated Mohammad Yousef AlNajjar, Kamal Adwan, and Kamal Naser. Israeli Mossad agents in Europe assassinated Basel Kubaissy (Iraqi) in Paris.

1974 UNSC resolution # 347 on April 24 condemns Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

1975 Disengagement agreements Israel on one side, Syria and Egypt, separately, on the other. April 14. Lebanese Right wing militias storm a bus full of Palestinian civilians and kill all the commuters at Ain El Rumaneh. The Lebanese Civil War with the Palestinians siding with the National Movement, against the Lebanese Right Wing Militias.

1980 UNSC resolution # 467 April 24 condemned Israel’s military intervention in Lebanon. (US abstained) The US vetoed UNSC a resolution on 30 April endorsing the self-determination of Palestinian People (Vote: 10 to 1 with 4 abstentions)

1981 The 15th Palestinian National Council convenes in Damascus on 11-19 April. Welcomes the Brezhnev proposal for ending Arab-Israeli conflict: based on SCR242 and endorsing Palestinian right to self-determination, Statehood & PLO’s role in the Peace Process.

1982 US vetoed a resolution on 1 April condemning Israel mistreatment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza strip and its refusal to abide by the Geneva Conventions Protocols of civilized nations (Vote: 14 to 1). US vetoed a resolution on 2 April condemning an Israeli soldier who shot 11 Moslem Worshipers in the Haram al Sharif near Al Aqsa mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem (Vote: 14 to 1). April 25. Israel completes withdrawal from Sinai as agreed at the Camp David, except for the issue of Taba, from which it pulls out of, in March 1989.

1987 The 18th Palestinian National Council convened in Algiers on 20-26 April, was held after a unifying conference for the General Union of Palestinian Writers and Journalist, that led the PNC to be attended by all factions of the PLO, signifying the reconciliation of the groups. The PNC gave support to the convocation of an "international conference for peace" under the auspices of the UN, and with all permanent SC members participating. Reestablished relations with Egypt.

1988 US vetoed UNSC 15 April that urged Israel to return deported Palestinians, condemned Israel’s shooting of civilians, called on Israel to uphold the Fourth Geneva Convention and called for a peace settlement under U.N. auspices. (Vote: 14 to 1). On 17 April Israeli Terrorist group landed at Hammam Al Shat area in Tunisia, to perform terrorist actions, and assassinated Khalil Al Wazir. Led to UNSC issued resolution # 611 April 25 condemning Israeli aggression against Tunisia and the assassination of Abu Jihad, with the US abstention.

1990 Settlers occupy St.Johns Hospice,  Greek Orthodox building in old Jerusalem; all Christian shrines are closed, & Islamic Waqf close Haram al-Sharif in solidarity. (12 April)

1996 The 21st Palestinian National Council convenes in Gaza in April to delete articles of the Palestinian Charter. US Vetoed a proposed UNSC resolution 15 April condemning Israel’s closure of the occupied territories (Vote: 14 to 1). Israel launches “Operation Grapes of Wrath” and Israel committed the horrific Air Raid massacres on the towns of Sohmor, Mansuriah, Nabatyaih, and Qana in addition to the UN quarters in Qana, when the civilians escaped Israeli aggression, escaping to UN quarters. US vetoed a resolution on 25 April condemning Israel for bombing UN quarters in Qana, South Lebanon, and the continuous Israeli attacks. (Vote: 14 to 1)

1997 US-brokered Palestinian-Israeli talks in Washington get nowhere. (11 April)

2001 Israel launches ground assaults on the refugee camps in Khan Yunis on 11Apr which destroyed homes and killed many Palestinians. Israel begins temporary occupations of parts of West Bank and Gaza put under the control of the Palestinian Authority, with 24 hr occupation of Bayt Hanun on 17April (repeated twice within 3 days).

2002 Israel committed various massacres in Jenin and its refugee camp.

2003 (29 Apr) Bush administration released  "Roadmap" for "a Permanent Two-State Solution". In Phase I, the Palestinians to stop all attacks on Israel and confiscate all illegal weapons.  Arab states must stop all support for violent groups, Israel must stop building new settlements and then withdraw from areas occupied since Sept 2000. Phase II to be based on conference leading to a Palestinian state, whilst Phase III would solve final status issues.

2007 Israeli plans bombard refugee camps and residential quarters in Gaza killing many innocent civilians.

MAY

  • May 1: Labour Day
  • May 15: Al Nakba
  • May 28: P.L.O. establishment

1918 Arab-Jewish coordinating committee was formed by the British (8 May)

1921 Outbreak of demonstrations in Jaffa in May protesting large-scale Zionist immigration (21 May)

1930 The First Arab Palestinian bank founded

1935 The Second Arab Youth conference held in Haifa on May 10. Conference resolved to form Youth Conference Party.

1936 The Conference of the Palestinian National Committees (Allijan Al Qawmiah), in Jerusalem 7 May, called for No taxation without representation, Stopping Zionist Immigration, Ending the Occupation, and called for General revolt. 
Arab Higher Committee (Al Lajnah Al Arabiah Al U’lia) established.

1942 Zionist Conference, held at Biltmore Hotel in New York, formulates new policy of creating "Jewish Commonwealth" in Palestine and organizing Jewish army. (May 9-11)

1946 Palestinians strike in protest of the Anglo-American Commission in May. Simultaneous attacks by Haganah on eight major railroad and highway bridges. First Arab Summit in Anshas, Egypt, supports the Palestinian People’s struggle (28 May)

1947 UN General Assembly special session on Palestine problem leads to appointment of eleven-member Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP).

1948 Lebanon and Syria decide to send troops to Palestine when the British Mandate ends on May 15th.  Iraq dispatched troops to town of Mafraq, in TransJordan, en route to Palestine after May 15th. Three planeloads of arms for Haganah arrive from France. Between 175,000 and 200,000 Palestinian refugees are reported to have fled from areas taken by Zionists.  Jewish colonists from Gush Etzion, south of Jerusalem, ambush traffic on road to city.  The fall of towns and villages of Shajara (6), Bissan (8), and Safad (10). Zionist massacres at Ayn az Zaytun, (2), Al Abbasiyya (4), Bayt Daras (11), Burayr (12), Khubbayza (12), Abu Shusha (14), Al Tantoura (21), Al Kabri (21), and Al Khisas (25). Appointment of King Abdullah as  General Commander of the Arab Armies in Palestine. Unit of TransJordan Arab Legion, operating in Palestine under British command, shells Gush Etzion in retaliation for ambush. British announce it is studying transitional trusteeship regime for Palestine to take effect at end of Mandate. ALA unit under Michel Issa withdraws from Jaffa, ending city’s resistance. Haganah enters Jaffa.(10). State of emergency declared in all Arab countries and able-bodied Palestinians barred entry to them. Egyptian parliament decides to send troops to Palestine at end of Mandate. Arrival of second and third Czech arms consignments for Haganah. Arab Legion, ALA and local militias attack and capture Jewish colonies of Etzion bloc, retaliating for attacks on Al-Khalil (Hebron) road. An official British Communiqué announces the end of the Mandate on the eve of 14 May 1948 (12). Jaffa formally surrenders to Haganah (13). Lebanese First Lieutenant Mohamed Zughaib was killed in Malkiya battle (13). The massacre of the village of Abu Shousheh in Al Ramleh District (14). The departure of Sir Allan Kenningham the British High Commissioner in Palestine from the Port of Haifa (14). State of Israel proclaimed in Tel Aviv at 4 pm (14). Haganah launches Operation Schfifon to capture the Old City of Jerusalem.

May 15: British Mandate ends. Declaration of State of Israel comes into effect. U.S. President Truman recognizes the Zionist State of Israel. First Egyptian troops cross border into Palestine and attack colonies of Kfar Darom and Nirim in Al Naqab. Three TransJordanian Arab Legion brigades cross the Jordan River into Palestine. Lebanese troops retake Lebanese villages of Malkiya and Qadas (on Lebanese border), attacked and captured earlier by Haganah. Haganah captures Acre (17). Syrian troops retake Palestinian town of Samakh, south of Lake Tiberius, and capture Zionist colonies of Shaar Hagolan and Masada. Arab Legion units reach Latrun and consolidate blockade of coastal road to Jewish quarters in Jerusalem. Haganah breaks into the Old City of Jerusalem. Arab Legion comes to the rescue of Old City. UN Security Council appoints Count Folke Bernadotte as its mediator in Palestine (17). Egyptian Army enters Gaza (19). Another massacre in Beit Darras (21). Security Council resolution 50 calls for cease-fire (29). The Palestinian Commander Hasan Salameh is killed in the battle of Ras Al Ein near Jerusalem (31).

1949 Major demonstrations explode in the different West Bank cities calling for the rejection of the annexation, and calling for the formation of the Independent Arab Palestinian State. May 11, 1949, Israel becomes member of United Nations, by GAR 273, conditional on implementing the General Assembly Resolutions 181 and 194, which call for the right of return of the Palestinians and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

1953 295 Arabs, mostly civilians, killed by Israeli terror between January-May.

1959 The founding of The Liberation Authority (Haia’t Al Tahreer) in Gaza by Munir Al Rayes on May 15th.

1964 The Declaration of the formation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) (Munathmat Al Tahrir Al Filasteeniah) on May 28, and the Palestinian National Covenant (Al Mithaq Al Qawmi) was declared after a convention attended by 422 Palestinian Personalities at the 1st Palestinian National Council held in Jerusalem, (28 May-2 June)

1965 The 2nd Palestinian National Council convenes in Cairo - declared that  Tunisian President Bouruiba’s statement calling upon the Arab states to negotiate a peaceful settlement with Israel, as  treason on May 31. Many Israeli attacks Arab Plan for water use of the Jordan River by diverting the river. (March, May, August)

1966 The 3rd Palestinian National Council convened in Gaza, called for arming the population in Gaza and the West Bank, on May 20th.

1968 UNSC resolution # 251 on May 2 deeply deploring Israel’s military parade in Jerusalem.  UNSC resolution # 252  May 21 Declared as invalid Israel’s acts to unify Jerusalem as Jewish Capital.

1970 Following Israeli attack on Lebanon in May, UNSC resolution # 279 on May 12 demanded withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, and UNSC resolution # 280  May 19 condemned the Israeli attack. US abstained. The 7th Palestinian National Council convened in Cairo May 30. Rejected the Rogers initiative, and affirms that only a popular war of liberation can bring a solution.

1972 Israeli raid launched against Hamma, Syria. 1st municipal elections in West Bank since 1963, announced on 26Nov, traditionalist, pro-Jordanian elite win the majority of seats. (28 March and 2 May). On 7 April, Israeli piper planes flew over the village of Akraba, spraying a chemical defoliant over the villagers’ wheat crops, and forcibly confiscated 100,000 dunums (25,000 acres) of villagers’ land.

1973 An Israeli Terrorist force assassinated Nada Yashriti.

1975 Israel commits  air raid/massacre against the civilians in the Lebanese villages of Aytharoun, and Kawnin.

1978 UNSC Resolution 427  May 13 that called for complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.  

1980 UNSC resolutions #’s # 468 on May 8 called on Israel to rescind illegal expulsion of two Palestinian Mayors, and # 469 on May 20 strongly deplored Israel’s failure to observe council’s order not to deport Palestinians. The 15 May, and  Arab People Struggle Organizations  announced in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

1983 May 17, Israeli Government Forces a so called_ Peace Treaty on Lebanon. (Nullified later). Geneva International Conference.

1985 The War of the Camps, on May 19  Amal ?] bombing and shelling  Palestinian camps claiming to remove to residual power of ‘Arafat loyalists. Amal started after the Syrian blessed and sponsored "Tripartite Agreement" on May 9, between Amal (under Nabih Birri), the Lebanese Forces (under Ili Hubayqa, who had taken over from Samir Geagea) & the Progressive Socialist Party (under Walid Junblatt). Please rewrite this –it is not clear who Amal really was/is –didn’t they work for the zs against the Palestinians in Lebanon?

1988 US vetoed a UNSC on 10 May that condemned Israel’s May 2 incursion into Lebanon. (Vote: 14 to 1)          

1990 Israeli troops committed a massacre against the Palestinians workers waiting at a crossroads at Rishon Le Zion (Ayoun Qara) (20 May). US vetoed UNSC resolution 31May calling for fact-finding mission on abuses against  Palestinians in Israeli occupied lands. (Vote: 14 to 1)

1991 UNSC resolution # 694 May 24, deplored Israel’s deportation of Palestinians, demanded it ensure their safe and immediate return.

1994 Israel, PLO and Egypt sign First agreement for self-rule in enclaves of Gaza and Jericho, on May 4

1995 US vetoed  UNSC on 17 May which  condemned Israel’s intention of confiscating 134 Acres of land in East Jerusalem. (Vote: 14 to 1)

1996 Benjamin Netanyahu,  right-wing opponent of Oslo accords, elected Israeli Prime Minister. (May 29)

1999 Aihud Barak of the Labour Party becomes The Prime Minister of Israel.

2000 The Victory Day of 25 May, when the Israelis were defeated by the Arab Resistance of Lebanon and the Occupation withdrew from most of the Lebanese land. 

2001 Israeli troops infiltrated Gaza and its refugee camps killing many civilians. Further invasion and attack on Rafah camp (2 May). Report of international commission led by former US senator George Mitchell calls for a halt to all Israeli settlement building, and greater PA control over its security forces (5 May) - accepted by PLO, initially rejected by Israel. Israel shoots dead 5 Palestinian policemen (some of whom were asleep at the time) at a checkpoint near Ramallah (14 May)

2004 UNSC issued US abstention resolution # 1544 on May 19, condemning Israel’s military invasion of Gaza, and calling for an end  to the home demolitions

 

Sources of information included: Dr. Salman Abu Sitta, Nizar Sakhnini, http:// www.al-awda.org, http://www.passia.org, http://www.middleeastreference.org.uk, http://www.aljazeera.net, and http://www.jerusalemfund.org
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