More than 1.5 million Palestinians are expected to cast a vote today in presidential elections to replace the late Yasser Arafat.| When last heard from, Yasser remained in stable condition... |
Meanwhile, Israel is threatening to scrap its plans to ease travel restrictions in the West Bank and Gaza to allow for a smooth vote. The Israeli Government issued the threat after a Palestinian ambush left one soldier dead and several others wounded. Palestinians have accused Israel of not carrying out a promised easing of its military grip on the West Bank and Gaza. Israel has denied the allegations, saying it had relaxed restrictions on movement in the occupied territories. "Major checkpoints are still in place, but there was never an intent to remove them. It's obvious they must stay in place for security reasons. Terrorist threats still have to be dealt with," said an Army spokesman. Israeli officials acknowledged only one obstruction, around several villages outside Nablus where troops imposed a curfew in a hunt for militants who killed an off-duty soldier and wounded three in the northern West Bank on Friday.
The curfews initially prevented deliveries of ballot papers there, but the restrictions were later lifted and monitors said all election materials were distributed. Israeli officials said the Army was also adhering to a commitment to keep troops out of West Bank cities, where they often mount raids in search of militants, to help Palestinians hold their first presidential election since 1996. In other developments, Palestinian officials announced a parliamentary election would be held on July 17 to complete what they hope will be a smooth transition towards democratic reform and peacemaking with Israel after Mr Arafat's death in November.