Palestinian sources now say that the ceasefire with Israel took effect early this morning, and that since then there has been total quiet throughout Judea and Samaria. However, this afternoon, Arabs hurled at least three firebombs at IDF soldiers in Hevron and Rachel\'s Tomb. Arafat had originally announced the ceasefire a few days ago.
Last night, there was heavy Arab fire against the IDF\'s Tarmit outpost in Gaza, as well as a roadside bomb near Brachah in the Shomron. Six Israeli soldiers were wounded by Palestinian fire in Gaza yesterday afternoon.
The Yesha Council reacted gravely to the army\'s new restrictive open-fire orders today, warning that the new restrictions in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza are liable to cost even more Israeli lives. The new orders forbid opening fire unless there is clear mortal danger. Similarly, entry into Palestinian Authority-controlled territory (Area A) is now forbidden. The Council calls upon Prime Minister Sharon to \"stop the obsessive chase after Arafat, the Middle East\'s Bin Laden.\"
Last night, there was heavy Arab fire against the IDF\'s Tarmit outpost in Gaza, as well as a roadside bomb near Brachah in the Shomron. Six Israeli soldiers were wounded by Palestinian fire in Gaza yesterday afternoon.
The Yesha Council reacted gravely to the army\'s new restrictive open-fire orders today, warning that the new restrictions in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza are liable to cost even more Israeli lives. The new orders forbid opening fire unless there is clear mortal danger. Similarly, entry into Palestinian Authority-controlled territory (Area A) is now forbidden. The Council calls upon Prime Minister Sharon to \"stop the obsessive chase after Arafat, the Middle East\'s Bin Laden.\"