Arafat Says Israel Wants to Destroy Gaza

[Herschel]

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat accused Israel Wednesday of trying to destroy Gaza by pursuing a fresh offensive in the territory before a proposed evacuation of Jewish settlers.


"Before leaving Gaza they want to destroy Gaza. This is a big crime," Arafat told reporters at his half-demolished West Bank headquarters in Ramallah where Israeli forces have largely confined him since late 2001.


Israel killed six Palestinians in three missile strikes in north and south Gaza Tuesday and Wednesday, pursuing what it called a relentless new offensive against militants after two suicide bombers hit a strategic Israeli port.


Israeli officials said the offensive aimed to smash Gaza militant factions to prevent them claiming victory if Prime Minister Ariel Sharon goes ahead with a planned evacuation of Jewish settlements from the crowded, poverty-stricken territory.

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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040317/wl_nm/mideast_gaza_arafat_dc_1

The old wesael sits, politically castrated, in his crumbling cage, wailing at Israel. Perhaps a message is being sent to militants before withdrawl. It is important Israel not be considered retreating out of weakness.