RAMALLAH Ñ Israeli forces intend to destroy all but the residence of
Yasser Arafat in the Palestinian Authority complex in Ramallah.
Israeli bulldozers, backed by tanks and armored personnel carriers, have
destroyed about 15 buildings and mobile homes in the PA compound. Israeli
commandos arrested about 60 Palestinians in the compound. Most of them were
released.
About 200 Palestinians are said to be in the compound. Israel has called
for the surrender of 50 fugitives, including leading PA security
officials.
Israeli officers broadcast over loudspeakers that Arafat's residence
would be demolished within minutes unless all the Palestinians evacuate. The
warning was broadcast several times overnight Sunday.
At the same time, Israeli bulldozers demolished a bridge that connected
his residence to the office of the Ramallah governor. Bulldozers also began
demolishing a meeting hall adjacent to Arafat's compound of offices.
Israeli military sources said they will continue the siege until they
capture the insurgents. They said Arafat would not be harmed in the
operation but they would pressure him to leave for abroad.
Arab leaders have called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from
Arafat's compound as thousands of Palestinians around the West Bank
demonstrated in support of the PA chairman. Four Palestinians were killed in
clashes with Israeli troops in Nablus, Ramallah and Tulkarm.
