Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has suggested that the Palestinian Authority reign in terror in exchange for Israel’s help in facilitating its leaders' functioning. However, Hamas terrorist leaders have demanded to share PA decision-making power.
Sharon and IDF officials asked Arab leaders for a cease-fire in return for humanitarian aid, as well as facilitating an orderly burial in Gaza for Yasser Arafat, whenever he dies, in which foreign dignitaries will be allowed to attend.
However, Hamas terrorist leaders Saturday rejected Arab leaders’ requests for a cease-fire and instead demanded to share control of Palestinian Authority with successors to Yasser Arafat. PA Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia, known as Abu Ala, left Gaza after a four-hour discussion with Hamas. He proposed a period of calm, but Hamas claims Abu Ala agreed to let the terrorist organization be involved in decision-making policies.
PA officials are struggling to maintain a semblance of control while Yasser Arafat remains on his deathbed. Despite various reports of a slight change in his condition, he still is being kept alive by machines. His wife Suha reportedly considered “pulling the plug” but reconsidered.
The PA faces day-to-day crises, particularly financially, and Palestinian finance minister Salaam Fayyad Friday appealed to Western countries to help the PA meet payroll expenses. Sharon suggested that Israel help ease the burden and provide humanitarian aid.
Arafat has personal control over a huge amount of PA funds, and it is not clear who, if anyone, can touch the money. Suha Arafat is believed to be the chief benefactor of Arafat’s multi-billion dollar bank accounts. The Arab news site Al Jazeera estimates Arafat’s fortune between $4 and $6.5 billion.
Sharon and IDF officials asked Arab leaders for a cease-fire in return for humanitarian aid, as well as facilitating an orderly burial in Gaza for Yasser Arafat, whenever he dies, in which foreign dignitaries will be allowed to attend.
However, Hamas terrorist leaders Saturday rejected Arab leaders’ requests for a cease-fire and instead demanded to share control of Palestinian Authority with successors to Yasser Arafat. PA Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia, known as Abu Ala, left Gaza after a four-hour discussion with Hamas. He proposed a period of calm, but Hamas claims Abu Ala agreed to let the terrorist organization be involved in decision-making policies.
PA officials are struggling to maintain a semblance of control while Yasser Arafat remains on his deathbed. Despite various reports of a slight change in his condition, he still is being kept alive by machines. His wife Suha reportedly considered “pulling the plug” but reconsidered.
The PA faces day-to-day crises, particularly financially, and Palestinian finance minister Salaam Fayyad Friday appealed to Western countries to help the PA meet payroll expenses. Sharon suggested that Israel help ease the burden and provide humanitarian aid.
Arafat has personal control over a huge amount of PA funds, and it is not clear who, if anyone, can touch the money. Suha Arafat is believed to be the chief benefactor of Arafat’s multi-billion dollar bank accounts. The Arab news site Al Jazeera estimates Arafat’s fortune between $4 and $6.5 billion.