Violence Flares As Terrorists Attempt To Destroy Palestinian State Commitment

DEBKAfile

6 June 2003

Hamas breaks off truce talks with Palestinian prime minister. Abdel Aziz Rantissi said Friday dialogue is over after Abbas made unacceptable commitments at Aqaba summit

Palestinians launched fierce offensive Thursday night in Gaza Strip, targeting Israeli military positions around Khan Younes, firing mortar attacks on civilian communities, directing 7 anti-tank missiles and more than 100 grenades at Israeli patrols. No casualties.

Police attribute double murder in Jerusalem to act of terror. Bodies of a young man and woman, David Shembik, 27, and Moran Menahem, 17, were discovered Thursday in wood behind Jerusalem’s Hadassah-Ein Karem hospital. Both bore severe stab wounds.

DEBKAfile’s exclusive sources reveal Abu Mazen-Dahlen promise to Americans and Israelis in Aqaba to make south Jerusalem and Bethlehem first off-limits zone to Palestinian terror. Slayings in South Jerusalem seen as Palestinian terrorists’ provocation to prove worthlessness of Aqaba summit and Abu Mazen’s promises.

Near Tulkarm, IDF kills two terrorists preparing attack in Israel, members of al Aqsa Brigades – not Hamas as claimed. They opened fire when called to surrender. Six Palestinian suspects detained Thursday night in Tulkarm and Jenin. Three mortars fired at Israel target in Gaza Strip.

As condition for ceasefire, Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, suicide wing of Arafat’s Fatah, wants Israel to lift siege at Arafat’s Ramallah HQ, release prisoners, end targeted killings and call off pursuit of senior operatives like Tawfiq Tirawi.