(Jerusalem Post) Khaled Abu Toameh - In an interview with the Palestinian daily al-Quds, Muhammed Dahlan, former PA Minister of Security, said: "The Israeli withdrawal is a victory for us and we must celebrate it. Hizballah turned Israel's retreat from South Lebanon into victory. The withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip and some West Bank settlements is one of the most important achievements of the intifada. The withdrawal should take place without an agreement and with no political gains (for Israel). Sharon has decided to withdraw unilaterally, and this is cause for celebration." According to one PA official, Israel and the U.S. are demanding that Dahlan become the de facto commander of the Gaza Strip after the withdrawal.
2004-02-24 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive