Home>>World
Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, October 01, 2002

News Analysis: Why Israel Eases Siege on Arafat?

Israeli troops pulled themselves out of the Ramallah headquarters of the Palestinian National Authority on September 29. With this, Israel seemingly eases its military grip on Yasser Arafat and his more than 200 followers and guards, but still with tanks and armored vehicles waiting outside the compound, ready to spring upon those they wanted to take prey.


PRINT DISCUSSION CHINESE SEND TO FRIEND


Israeli troops pulled themselves out of the Ramallah headquarters of the Palestinian National Authority on September 29. With this, Israel seemingly eases its military grip on Yasser Arafat and his more than 200 followers and guards, but still with tanks and armored vehicles waiting outside the compound, ready to spring upon those they wanted to take prey.

Decision for the military redeployment was reportedly passed on a cabinet meeting chaired by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in the morning. According to radio of Israeli troops, surrounded Palestinians could be released after checks as long as they are not on the wanted list, and if not, they will be stopped and arrested when stepping out of the building.

Apparently Israel still hopes to seize the 20 extremist elements it wanted, and of course there are reasons for the seemingly eased besieging action.

Firstly, after ten days' siege Israel was under mounting pressure from international community, especially after the resolution of UN Security Council demanding it to withdraw.

Secondly was increased pressure from the US. In recently two days demonstrations against the US and Israel broke out in some Arabian countries on the occasion of the second anniversary of "intifada". When Washington is making every effort to persuade the world to nod its Iraq strike, Israel's siege does no help for President Bush's rallying support from Arabian countries on the Iraq issue. Media say this time's ease on siege is a direct result of US interference and Tel Vaiv, who may well turn a blind eye to UN resolutions, can not and dare not to do the very opposite of what the US is doing.

Thirdly, there were news saying a secret agreement was reached to send the Israel wanted Palestinian people into exile to other places, such as the Gaza Strip, as happened in the siege of the Church of the Nativity in the heart of Bethlehem last May, according to BBC reports. But the saying can not be proved now and before this the Palestinian side had ruled out possibilities of exile and Arafat also refused to give out anybody around him.

Arafat once left his compound under guard protection after Israel's pullout and smiled to his some 300 supporters, as reported. But he told journalists that the UN resolution had not been fully implemented since the troop only pulled back a short distance and accused the siege lift as "cosmetic". While US government spokesman said President Bush was "pleased" with Israel's action.

By PD Online Staff Li Heng


Questions?Comments? Click here
    Advanced






Freed Arafat Vows to Continue Struggle

Israel's Easing of Siege on Arafat is Deceptive: Palestinian Official

Arafat Makes Appearance After 10 Days of Israeli Siege





 


Jiang Urges Army to Prepare for Military, Anti-Terror Struggles ( 34 Messages)

'Taiwan Independence': Greatest Threat to Taiwan Straits Peace ( 41 Messages)

China Continues to Absorb Foreign Investment ( 2 Messages)

China Becomes Biggest Market for English Learning ( 2 Messages)

US Urged to Stop Activities in Chinese EEZ ( 7 Messages)

Two Chinese Students Shot Dead When Robbing a Malaysian Bank ( 5 Messages)



Copyright by People's Daily Online, all rights reserved