Peace activists protect Arafat

by: Sam Mwangi/Gush -Shalom.

Israeli and Palestinian activists meet Arafat in his compound (library image, Gush-Shalom 2003).
PHOTO: http://www.gush-shalom.org/english/index.html ,

Ramallah: On 4 October a group of peace activists acted as a human shield for Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat after a suicide attack in Haifa, carried out by a 29-year-old woman lawyer from Jenin, that left 19 people dead. The attack happened at the Maxim restaurant, reportedly as an act of revenge for the killing of the woman’s brother and cousin by the Israeli army.

Following the weekend attack and amidst concerns that Israeli troops might assassinate the Palestinian leader, activists Adam Keller and Beate Zilversmidst of the Israeli peace group Gush Shalom - and members of the International Solidarity Movement - gathered at Arafat’s compound in Ramallah

Over thirty activists gathered at the dimly lit rendezvous point outside Ramallah at 9.30pm, in spite of the short notice and the fact that several members of the groups were away. “It is not an easy matter to phone somebody who has earlier registered as being willing to act as human shield and say ‘now it is time be ready within half an hour’” a spokes person for Gush Shalom said.

However the activists managed to pass the military roadblocks at night despite the tight security measures taken by Israelis troops following the suicide attack in Haifa.

Upon arrival at the compound Palestinian officials and activists warmly greeted the Israeli and ISM groups. Then there was the long night to get through, with attempts to read Sharon’s intentions from ambiguous media reports being monitored on a small transistor radio. “We were alert, listening for any alarming sounds from outside” a Gush Shalom spokesperson said.

At noon the following day, activists met with Mr. Arafat - and prime minister designated Ahmed Qurei – and held a joint press conference at which both the Palestinian leaders sharply condemn the suicide bombing, not only as a crime against Israelis but also as a crime against the Palestine people. “The internationals felt they were there instead of UN peace forces - which should have been sent long ago to protect the Palestinian people” said Huwaida Arraf, coordinator for ISM.

According to Israeli sources, top officials had urged the government to seize the opportunity provide by the suicide bombing to get rid of Mr. Arafat - without being certain who was responsibly for the attack Islamic Jihad later claimed responsibility.

Within the international arena the Bush administration appears to have lost interest in mediating between the Israelis and Palestinians, with the “road map” shelved until after the 2004 US elections.

Source: Gush -Shalom