Israeli decision on Arafat draws intl outcry, demos

By: Ahmad Hammadi

JERUSALEM: Israel is severely criticized by international community on Friday over its decision to “remove” Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, a threat that drew tens of thousands of supporters into the streets to rally to his defense.

In Israel's largest newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, commentator Roni Shaked wrote: “The decision yesterday turned Arafat into a hero ... and that's a shame.”

Pledging to defend Arafat with their lives, thousands of Palestinians flocked to Arafat's headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Pro-Arafat demonstrations comprised of thousands also witnessed in other cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Israel's security cabinet vowed Thursday “to remove” him “in a manner that will be determined separately,” calling Arafat an obstacle to peace but under US pressure not to exile him.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned that it would be “unwise” to carry out the decision. The Arab League said removal would be disastrous.

China condemned Israeli decision saying it will escalate tensions and hinder the peace process. France warned the decision would be a “grave error”. Australia said Israel would turn Yasser Arafat into a “martyr” if it carries out its threat. Bahrain slammed the decision in principle and said it was in contact with the Arab League to hammer out a joint Arab stand on the Israeli threat. Russia termed the move by Israel a “serious political mistake.”

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