Israeli authorities announced Tuesday the phased lifting of curfews imposed on the West Bank and Gaza Strip since the Persian Gulf war began Jan. 17.
But a terrorist firebombing in East Jerusalem has raised second thoughts about reopening the territories to the free movement of Palestinians to and from Israel proper.
“Our main fear is that Saddam Hussein’s supporters will enter Israel and will heed his call to make terrorist activities against Israelis,” said Danny Naveh, spokesman for Defense Minister Moshe Arens.
A gasoline bomb did extensive damage Monday night to the British Airways office on a Zahra Street in East Jerusalem. Furniture and expensive equipment were damaged and the windows were smashed.
Police suspect the attack was part of a worldwide terrorist campaign aimed at the U.S.-led coalition fighting Iraq. Britain has the largest force in the Gulf after the United States.
The Israel Defense Force reported, meanwhile, that curfews have been lifted entirely in the West Bank towns of Bethlehem, Jericho and Kalkilya and during daylight hours in Ramallah and Hebron.
The curfews were removed from the Gaza Strip towns of Beit Hanun, Beit Lahiya, Bani Suheila and several rural areas, a military spokesman said.
Israeli security agencies have announced the arrest of 10 Israeli Arabs suspected of gathering intelligence for Iraq. It is the first time Arab citizens of Israel have been accused of involvement in Iraq’s war effort.
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