Saddam raising his profile in Palestinian areas

GAZA — Supporters of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein are increasingly taking leading roles in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Palestinian representatives of the Saddam regime are now seen at virtually every major rally in the Palestinian Authority areas. They are also distributing aid to families of those killed in clashes with Israeli troops.

The representatives include those from the Baghdad-based Arab Liberation Front and the Baath Socialist Party. Over the weekend, they attended a rally in Gaza for families of those killed in the mini-war.

At a rally in Rafiah, Saddam agents announced donations to the families of Palestinian casualties. It was not clear how much money was distributed, but Palestinian sources said the Arab Liberation Front has pledged $10,000 to every family of those killed by Israel during the mini-war.

On Monday, a high-level Palestinian delegation, headed by PLO foreign affairs chief Farouk Khaddoumy, is scheduled to arrive in Baghdad to discuss aid from Iraq. The delegation includes four PA ministers.

Palestinian sources said the Saddam-sponsored front is also buying weapons in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to support the revolt against Israel. They said this was the first step towards the establishment of squads loyal to Saddam that would launch attacks on Israeli targets.

On Wednesday, Fatah and Islamic opposition groups plan to mark a day of solidarity with Iraq and demand the end of United Nations sanctions.