Palestinian Moslems and Lebanese Christian forces continued to exchange artillery fire in southern Lebanon today. But the Moslem offensive has been marking time for the past few days, apparently pending the outcome of talks between Syrians and Christian leaders in Beirut.
While a cease-fire call from Beirut has not been heeded by either side, the Palestinians have held back from capturing the Christian held town of Marjayoun and the village of Kleia, both strategic points close to the Israeli border.
The Palestinians, who made important military gains last week, are apparently capable of capturing both places. They are believed to have been restrained by the Syrians who want to avoid a possible confrontation with Israel. The Syrians are also reported to be putting pressure on the Christians to end their cooperation with Israel.
Wounded Christian militiamen are treated in Israel. Yesterday, eight wounded Lebanese were brought to an Israeli clinic through the gap in the border fence. One was transferred to the government hospital in Salad. Israel, meanwhile, is keeping a close watch on events in Lebanon. The latest reports from Damascus indicated that Syria is not interested in escalating the situation for fear the Israelis “would make use of it to intervene.”
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