Bethlehem
The Patriarch, Michael Sabbah, has called on both Arafat and Sharon to resign if they are not able to reach a peace agreement. He also called for an end to the Israeli occupation and strongly criticized Israel for not allowing Arafat to visit the town.
Both Palestinian television and the Palestinian press have been covering developments in Bethlehem at great length. The town has been under curfew and some editorials in the Palestinian press, ironically, have been calling for the curfew to remain in place. They argue that by lifting the curfew for Christmas, it will appear that the Israelis are allowing free access to Bethlehem. The Patriarch, in contrast, has called for Arafat to be allowed to attend. The Patriarch also added that Christmas preparations are going ahead as planned.
‘Judaization’ of Hebron
Palestinian television carried a special report on the demolition of four houses in Hebron in what was described as “Zionist terrorism” and “Judaization”. Israeli authorities intend to make territorial contiguity between the Jewish quarter of Hebron and the nearby community of Kiryat Arba.
The site has considerable historical baggage. Twelve Israelis — soldiers and civilians — were killed in a recent attack there by Islamic Jihad. The Jewish quarter of Hebron includes what Muslims refer to as the Ibrahimi mosque, and Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs. Both traditions believe that Abraham, Issac and Jacob are buried there.
Palestinian television describes the construction and demolition work as “a new colonialization effort”. There are almost daily reports. The report included a demonstration by Israeli peace activists in Hebron against both the plans and the demolitions.
Arafat Gives Financial Assistance
The official Palestinian television news station announced that Yassir Arafat is handing out payments to families who have been affected by house demolitions. The Israeli army has been undertaking extensive operations in Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Five houses near the Yibna refugee camp and two factories were destroyed.
Palestinian television reported that Yassir Arafat is donating 6000 shekels to 44 families from Rafah that were affected by the Israeli army operations. In addition, $189,000 is distributed to families each week. The report added that Yassir Arafat does all in his power to support families in these “harsh times”.
Israeli intelligence accuses Arafat of funding terror by precisely these methods. The Israeli army claims that it destroys houses of terror suspects or buildings used to produce bombs. It believes that house demolitions are a defensive measure which removes the incentive to engage in terror activities. The incentive argument is weakened by reports that Arafat provides substantial financial compensation for houses destroyed. Israeli intelligence argues that this is how Arafat supports terror in an indirect way.