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Israel strikes, Palestinian Authority declares war

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Thursday, October 12, 2000

RAMALLAH — Israeli attack helicopters struck Palestinian targets in the West Bank and the Palestinian Authority has declared war.

Palestinian Authority officials said that hours after four Israeli soldiers were killed by a Palestinian mob in Ramallah Israeli attack helicopters struck targets in Gaza. They said the police headquarters in Gaza City near the office of PA chairman Yasser Arafat was leveled.

Arafat's private home in Gaza was also struck, witnesses said.

PA officials said Arafat has declared war on Israel. At 1550 hours local time [0850 hours EST] PA radio issued a communique that declared war on Israel and called on the Arab and international community to help the Palestinians.

PA officials said helicopters also flew over the Arafat's headquarters in Gaza as he was meeting with CIA director George Tenet. Tenet had arrived to restore security cooperation between Israel and the PA.

In Ramallah, witnesses said Cobra helicopters targeted PA security installations in the West Bank city some four hours after the Israeli soldiers were killed. The main target appeared to be the police station where the Israeli soldiers were stabbed and beaten to death by a mob.

Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah was also targeted, witnesses said.

PA radio said five Palestinians were injured in the Israeli attack. The radio urged Palestinians to stay off the streets.

Earlier, PA officials denied reports that Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz had warned PA commanders that an attack was imminent on security installations in Ramallah.

Witnesses said PA radio in Ramallah was also struck.

Thursday, October 12, 2000


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