Undeterred by international criticism, Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Tuesday praised the Israeli raid in Gaza Strip that killed 14 Palestinians and wounded more than 100.
Sharon said there would be more such operations in the future. "The operation was a successful operation," Sharon was quoted as saying by AP on Tuesday, after a meeting with President Moshe Katsav. "This operation was complicated, it was a difficult operation ... There will be more operations in Gaza."
Sharon has decided to shorten his upcoming visit to the United States because of the recently intensified security situation. According to Israel Radio, Sharon will solely meet with US President George W. Bush before returning home. Sharon planned to go from Washington to New York, to meet with the heads of various Jewish organizations.
Meanwhile, Palestinian sources reported that four youths were injured in clashes with Israeli troops. According to the sources, one of the young girls is in serious condition. The injuries occurred when soldiers used tear gas on the students, who were breaking an Israeli curfew in Jenin, according to the report.
Additionally, Israeli soldiers arrested Monday night 15 Palestinians. According to Israel Radio, many of those arrested were on Israel's most wanted list.
12 Palestinians were apprehended in the West Bank and three were caught in the Gaza Strip. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
