gelatik
10.03.02, 17:37
Israeli fighter planes have attacked two Palestinian police compounds in the
north of the Gaza Strip.
The latest raid came just hours after Israeli helicopters and gunboats totally
destroyed the headquarters of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in Gaza
The Israeli security cabinet met to discuss its options for further military
action after a Palestinian suicide bomber killed 11 and injured more than 50 at
a busy cafe in West Jerusalem on Saturday.
As attack and counter-attack continue, the United States, the European Union
and Arab leaders are all working on proposals to calm the situation.
The US Government has called on both sides to try to end the violence, which a
spokesman said underlines the importance of this week's visit to the region by
special envoy Anthony Zinni.
Symbol destroyed
The latest air attack in Gaza came as Palestinian security officials continued
to pick through the charred remains of Yasser Arafat's seaside offices, where
he used to host foreign dignitaries.
No-one was inside, but it left a key symbol of Palestinian national aspirations
in ruins.
The BBC's Caroline Hawley says the Palestinians will see the Israeli attack as
a significant escalation.
With Israeli helicopters and planes flying overhead, thousands of Palestinians
observed a strike in Gaza to honour well over 100 Palestinians killed in the
past week.
Israeli Arabs were also staging a general strike to express their solidarity
with the Palestinians. Shops, markets and schools run by Israeli Arabs were
closed down and public transport was reduced to a minimum
