Sharon sets 'Gaza test' for besieged Palestinian leader

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon may end Yasser Arafat’s isolation in his besieged West Bank headquarters and let the Palestinian leader return to Gaza.

Under the plan, Arafat would be allowed leave his shell-battered compound in Ramallah, giving him the opportunity to crack down on militant groups and show he is serious about fighting terrorism, Sharon’s spokesmen Danny Ayalon said today.