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.