Security Meeting Takes Place Despite Jerusalem Car Bomb

Voice of America, October 1, 2001

Israeli and Palestinian officials have met to discuss security cooperation Monday, despite a car bomb explosion in Jerusalem.

The Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility for the blast, which damaged windows and injured several bystanders. The booby-trapped vehicle was parked on the edge of a shopping and residential district in the city's Talpiot area. Israeli police say the bomb was packed with bullets, nails and other metal pieces.

It was the first bombing against an Israeli target since Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres agreed to a cease-fire last Wednesday.

The security talks at the Erez crossing point between Israel and the Gaza Strip were aimed at strengthening a truce the sides agreed to last week. Israeli Defense Minister Benjamin Ben Eliezer has ordered an easing of the blockade around Palestinian areas in the West Bank and Gaza. However, Palestinians say they have seen no changes.

Also, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat told reporters in Tunis today that Israel is escalating attacks against Palestinians despite the cease-fire pledge. The Palestinian leader offered no comment on the car bomb.

Israeli officials accuse Mr. Arafat of not doing enough to end Palestinian violence. On Sunday, the Israeli government gave him 48 hours to enforce the cease-fire. On the other side, Palestinian officials charge that Israel is not implementing the truce plan.

Israeli forces shot dead three Palestinians in the West Bank Sunday, bringing to at least 18 the number of Palestinians killed since the Wednesday agreement to resume security cooperation and make maximum efforts to sustain the declared ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Arabs of Israeli citizenship held marches today to mark the one-year anniversary of the killing of 13 pro-Palestinian demonstrators by Israeli police. About a thousand people marched with Palestinian flags in the town of Nazareth, where about 50 young people threw stones at an Israeli police station.

Israeli police used teargas on young Arabs demonstrating in the town of Umm al-Fahm.

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