'Close associate' of Arafat dies in Bethlehem blast

A close associate of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has been fatally wounded in a blast at his Bethlehem home.

He was evacuated to King Hussein Hospital in nearby Beit Jala, but according to reports, doctors said he was clinically dead.

Three people were reportedly wounded in the blast.

The man was a member of Arafat's personal protection unit.

Palestinians claim the blast was an Israeli assassination attempt carried out by missiles fired from Israeli helicopters.