Attacks pose threat to fragile Mideast truce
The attacks punctuated a day of violence that left five people dead. A second militant was also killed in the gunbattle in the West Bank. Other attacks included Palestinian rocket and mortar barrages aimed at a series of Israeli targets and Israel’s killing of an unarmed man who infiltrated into Gaza from Egypt.
The clashes exacerbated tensions already inflamed by Monday’s confrontation at a disputed Jerusalem holy site. The Islamic Jihad and Hamas militant groups said they would stick to the truce, but blamed Israel for the violence. Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom blamed Hamas. “Hamas is trying very hard to undermine our efforts to move toward peace with the Palestinian Authority,” he said. The Palestinians warned that the ceasefire was in jeopardy and urged international intervention.
“The situation is deteriorating. The whole ceasefire may collapse,” said chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat. Morwah Kamil, 25, head of the Islamic Jihad military wing in Jenin, was killed in a gun battle that erupted with Israeli troops in the town of Qabatiya, near Jenin, the army and witnesses said.
Major Sharon Asman said Kamil was planning attacks on Israel when soldiers entered Qabatiya to arrest him. He threw a grenade at soldiers, and a shootout ensued, Major Asman said.
Dozens of townspeople poured into the street, firing guns, throwing firebombs and hurling rocks, Maj Asman said. A military bulldozer demolished a wall in the house where Kamil was holed up, he said.
Israel and the Palestinians disagree over whether Israel pledged to stop hunting fugitives as part of the February truce. The Palestinians said the pledge applied to all wanted men; Israel says Palestinians will no longer be hunted in areas where Palestinian authorities control security as long as fugitives disarm and give up attacks on Israel.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
