Israel pulls forces out of Arafat compound

RESPONDING to US pressure, Israel withdrew forces from Yasser Arafat's headquarters compound yesterday, but said the hunt for men inside whom it accuses of terrorism would continue.

Mr Arafat accused Israel of violating a UN Security Council resolution which demanded an end to the siege that began on September 19.

"They are trying to deceive the Security Council," Mr Arafat told reporters in his office minutes after Israeli troops rolled out of the compound. He called the pull back a "cosmetic movement".