Palestinian police closed offices affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, sealing doors with red wax or changing locks. At least 26 such offices in Gaza and the West Bank have now been closed. Palestinian police seized documents from some offices during the operation, partly filmed by television crews. Many centers provided sports or medical services. Raanan Gissin, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, said the closure of the offices was no substitute for arresting the ringleaders behind attacks. Israel says it will continue operations against militants if Arafat fails to do so. "We have to do everything necessary to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure... A closed office won't stop a terrorist en route to Israel," Gissin said.
Do we detect a lack of trust in Palestinian sincerity? Could there be some justification? |