World Tribune.com

FTD.COM 468x60 (2)

Palestinians brace for Israeli invasion of Gaza

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Friday, August 17, 2001

GAZA Ñ The Palestinian Authority is preparing for an Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip.

PA officials said security forces have established roadblocks and are preparing weapons caches to confront an Israeli military campaign. The forces have closed off the area around the office of PA Chairman Yasser Arafat.

PA General Intelligence chief Col. Amin Hindi said all of the security agencies have agreed to coordinate intelligence and military efforts.

Hindi said the agencies are on high alert against any Israeli invasion. Hindi said the PA has drafted options to confront any Israeli invasion. He did not elaborate.

Palestinian sources said Arafat has become increasingly concerned that the United States will provide Israel with a green light for an invasion of the PA territories.

On Thursday, Palestinian gunners fired two mortars toward Jewish settlements in the southern Gaza Strip. The attack, which did not result in any injuries, shattered a lull in mortar attacks that lasted about a week.

Print this Article Print this Article Email this article Email this article Subscribe to this Feature Free Headline Alerts