The Israeli cabinet has decided to step up a military offensive against the Palestinians following a new suicide bombing and shooting attacks Saturday that killed 14 Israelis and left more than 100 wounded. 

Israeli missiles early Sunday destroyed the Gaza headquarters of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. At least 30 missiles pounded the facility, which Mr. Arafat has used over the years to host world leaders and other officials. He was not in the area at the time of the attack. Israeli forces have confined Mr. Arafat to his offices in Ramallah for the past three months. 

Despite the extensive damage, no serious injuries were reported from the raid in Gaza. 

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon again said Israel is in a war and must stand united against the wave of terror. At the same time, he said a ceasefire remains a central aim of the Israeli government. 

Sporadic violence continued Sunday. Israeli warplanes were again on the attack in Gaza, hitting a Palestinian security building near Gaza City. Also in Gaza, a Palestinian opened fire at Israelis near the gates of a Jewish settlement, wounding two men, one seriously, before being shot to death. The al-Aqsa Brigades, affiliated with Mr. Arafat's Fatah group, claimed responsibility for that attack. 

The latest violence comes at the end of the deadliest week in the region since Israeli-Palestinian clashes broke out more than 17 months ago. At least 100 Palestinians and 50 Israelis have died in the past week. 

Senior U.S. officials say the violence adds urgency to a visit this week by U.S. Middle East peace envoy Anthony Zinni in the latest American attempt to get the Israelis and Palestinians to stop fighting. Gen. Zinni is returning to the region for more talks following two previous unsuccessful efforts to arrange a truce. President Bush also is sending Vice President Cheney to the Middle East this week. 

Palestinian officials have said they are skeptical about a statement by Israel's Prime Minister Sharon that he is willing to discuss a cease-fire while violence continues. Mr. Sharon is no longer demanding a full week of calm before talks can resume. 

Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AP. 

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version