| Submit your comments on this article |
| Middle East |
| Israeli army urges end to standoff |
| 2002-06-27 |
| Israel's army urged Palestinians holed up for a third day in a West Bank compound to surrender Thursday, warning that its soldiers will overrun the battered Hebron government complex if those inside refuse to come out. The Israeli military said 150 people have surrendered since early Tuesday, including at least 20 top fugitives, during short breaks in heavy machine-gun fire from the ground and helicopters gunships above. About 40 people, including at least 15 wanted men, remained inside Thursday, the military said. "We know that a few wanted persons are inside and we intend to apprehend them," Brig. Gen. Ron Kitrey told Israel Army Radio. "We prefer to do it without a battle, but if it proves necessary there will be one." Kitrey said some of those gunmen who came out had disguised themselves as Palestinian police officers, hoping the Israelis would not recognize them. Four Palestinians have been killed thus far in the battle at the compound. A battalion commander in Hebron indicated Israeli patience, however, hasn't yet run out. "We're here. They're there. We have the time," Lt. Col. David Blumenfield, told Israel Radio. "Slowly, slowly people are coming out." |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |