This day in history

Hours after the Israeli forces enter West Beirut, Phalangist militiamen begin a massacre of Palestinians at the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. Within two days, 1,000 men, women and children are dead.

The Phalangists, a Christian faction in Lebanon, were closely allied with Israel. After entering West Beirut, Israeli commanders ordered the Phalangists into the refugee camps in search of terrorists, even though the militiamen were known to be enraged at the Palestinians for the recent murder of their leader.

Israel later condemned the massacre and denied any responsibility. On 29 September, a United Nations peacekeeping force returned to Lebanon to prevent more bloodshed.

In what becomes known as “Black Wednesday,” the British government suspends its membership of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism.

An earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale strikes south-east Iran. The final death toll is in the region of 26,000.

Papua New Guinea gains independence from Australia.

Britain introduces a two tier postal system with First and Second Class stamps. 

Malaysia is established.