Violence flares as Arafat gives job to cousin

GUNMEN burned down the offices of Yasser Arafat's Palestinian Authority in Gaza yesterday, as anger spread over the Palestinian leader's overhaul of his security forces that many saw as falling short of genuine reform.

In the West Bank city of Ramallah, Mr Arafat met his prime minister, Ahmed Qureia, about the political crisis that erupted over the continuing violence in Gaza and Mr Qureia's attempt to resign as head of the Palestinian government.

"I totally reject your resignation and consider it nonexistent," Mr Arafat told Mr Qureia at a meeting yesterday, according to Cabinet minister Saeb Erekat.