Bethlehem ban on Arafat would escalate tensions

PALESTINIANS warned yesterday of a "dangerous escalation" of tensions if Israel stops Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem.

The warnings came after an adviser to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Raanan Gissin, said Arafat should not try to attend the midnight Mass.

But Raanan stopped short of saying Israel would bar him from the city.