DATE=05/09/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-289605

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: Palestinian police in the Gaza Strip have arrested more than a dozen members of the militant group Hamas, which claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing earlier this week that killed 15 Israelis. V-O-A Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: The arrests came after an order by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to his security forces to prevent acts of terrorism against Israeli citizens.

Hamas claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing near Tel Aviv, and leaders of the group say members will continue to target Israelis despite Mr. Arafat's call to end terrorist attacks.

Israeli officials say they believe the bomber who blew up a pool hall in the town of Rishon Letzion came from the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli cabinet has given Prime Minister Ariel Sharon the green light to take action against what it called "terrorist targets." Israeli media reports say a military operation in Gaza, where Hamas leaders are based, is widely expected.

Meanwhile, negotiations to end Israel's military siege at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity have stalled again.

Palestinians inside the church made a new demand that a European monitor stay with 13 militants, who are to remain inside the shrine until they are exiled to a foreign country. Israeli negotiators refused to accept the demand. (Signed)

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