Arafat calls for end to "military madness"

Wednesday, 22 October 2003 5:38 AM

Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat yesterday urged world leaders to end the "military madness" in the Gaza Strip.

Mr Arafat said world leaders, including the 'quartet' of powers - the US, UN, Europe and Russia - backing the "road map" for peace in the Middle East, ought to redouble efforts to secure peace in the region.

He urged them to 'immediately intervene to stop this military madness in which they aim to destroy the Holy Land and this steadfast people.'

His exhortation came after Israel on Monday launched five airstrikes in central Gaza, killing ten people, mostly civilians, and injuring 100.

And witnesses said on Tuesday that two Palestinians were killed in Gaza in a confrontation with Israeli troops in the town of Rafah.

Israel has retaliated with a vengeance after a Palestinian ambush killed three Israeli soldiers and militants fired eight homemade rockets from Gaza into Israel on Sunday.

Israel's army insisted it would continue to hunt for Hamas militants.

And Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has renewed his call for the immediate "removal" of Mr Arafat.

On Tuesday, Israeli troops and tanks rolled into Ramallah, surrounding the Abdel Nasser mosque, shortly after evening prayers, declaring a curfew in the area whilst it tried to uncover "Hamas' infrastructure."

Mr Arafat remains under house arrest in his compound in Ramallah.

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