Israeli Operation in Ramallah Will Last Several Weeks: Sharon

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, March 30, 2002

Israeli Operation in Ramallah Will Last Several Weeks: Sharon

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Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Friday that the Israeli military operation against Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah will last for at least several weeks.

"The operations would continue for weeks, if not longer," Sharon said, calling on all the Israelis to unite behind the government despite international pressure over the operations.

Earlier in the day, Sharon declared Arafat an "enemy," saying that his government had taken a decision to "isolate" the Palestinian leader.

The prime minister also said that some 20,000 reservists would be mobilized -- an indication that the planned military operation in the Palestinian territories would be widespread.

Israeli tanks broke into Arafat's headquarters Friday afternoon in an attempt to isolate him. The Israeli troops have taken complete control of Arafat's compound, Israel Radio reported.

Israeli bulldozers, assisted by tanks, demolished three Palestinian buildings north of Arafat's office.

At least four Palestinians were killed and some 20 others injured during the operation. One Israeli soldier was killed in exchange of fire with Palestinians in Ramallah.

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