Israeli troops have carried out massive incursions into the Palestinian city Ramallah following yesterday’s deadly attack in the Israel. Israeli Paratroops and armor were used to seize key positions throughout the city. A large armored force has also closed in on Yasser Arafat’s headquarters, where the Palestinian President has been held a virtual prisoner by Israeli blockade over the past month. In an apparent move against Arafat, the Israeli forces laying siege to his headquarters were reinforced, and advanced closer to the premises.
Israel directly blames Arafat for the latest attack, and Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot reported that top defense officials believe such an attack could not have been carried out without Arafat’s authorization. Several voices in the Israeli leadership have called for his “removal”. The fact that responsibility for last night’s attack in Hadera, which left six Israelis dead and dozens wounded, was claimed the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a Fatah group, further heightens fears that Israel means to act directly against Yasser Arafat.
Hundreds of Palestinians have rushed to the vicinity of their leader’s offices and confronted the Israeli forces. Various sources indicate several protesters were injured by tear gas and rubber coated bullets fired by the Israeli soldiers, and Reuters reported that one protester was in severe condition. The Israeli forces have stopped their progress mere feet away from the buildings, and it appears that they are not proceeding closer to the President’s office at this time.
Elsewhere in Ramallah, Israeli soldiers took over the home of Palestinian West Bank intelligence chief Tawfik Terawi, according to reports from the official Palestinian news agency. Israeli forces also seized several houses in key locations and have installed troops and fortifications in them. Mustafa Barghouthi told the BBC: "The Israeli tanks have practically occupied about 55% of the town now. Thirteen neighborhoods are under complete curfew". (www.albawaba.com)
