Israel bans Arafat from Gaza Airport

The Israeli Government has banned Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat from using Gaza International Airport, meaning he will have to pass through Israeli checkpoints any time he tries to leave his homeland.

The move is in response to the assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Zeevi in Jerusalem’s Hyatt Hotel this morning.

Yasser Arafat has condemned the killing, but Israel has claimed he is doing nothing to stop Palestinian militants from attacking Israelis.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has vowed to fight a war against the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinian, who claimed responsibility for Mr Zeevi’s assassination.

Meanwhile two Israeli soldiers have been hurt in a suicide bomb attack in Gaza.