Israel's Fight Against Palestinian Terror In High Gear

DEBKAfile

23 June 2003

Amid 60 active terror alerts, Israeli forces carry out counter-terror operations in West Bank and Gaza Strip Sunday night. One Israeli soldier lightly hurt when unit demolishes two Khan Younes buildings used by Palestinian snipers in S. Gaza Strip under heavy Palestinian fire.

Four al Aqsa Brigades members died in an explosion in northern Gaza Strip Sunday night caused while they were preparing terrorist attack.

Israeli security authorities say Arafat and Hamas using lure of temporary ceasefire to duck first Road Map clause that calls for dismantling of terrorist groups. Instead of disarming, they thwart Abu Mazen and Dahlan.

Powell blames Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations for terror cycle, but joins Middle East Quartet members meeting in Jordan in “regretting” Israel’s killing of top Hamas terror planner Saturday as obstacle to peace.

Abdullah Kawasme’s last three hits massacred 40 Israelis, injured hundreds. In latest, 17 Israelis died, 100 were injured in June 12 suicide blast on Jerusalem 14 Bus.

Israeli defense minister Mofaz: Palestinian terror still raging two weeks after Aqaba Summit. Israel must fight terror as long as Palestinian Authority fails to do so