About 20 Extremists Wanted by Israel Arrested in Ramallah

Palestinian officials say about 20 extremists wanted by Israel were arrested in the city of Ramallah in the West Bank, inside a complex where Yasser Arafat, the head of the Palestinian Authority, resides. Palestinian security forces raided the location early Saturday and apprehended them. It is reported that 14 of the extremists are members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, the armed wing of the Fatah movement led by Arafat. A Palestinian official stated that the detainees will be transferred to a prison in Jericho in the West Bank. He added that the arrests of the extremists were made with the knowledge of the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, a UN official visiting Gaza and the West Bank said the recent meeting between the US President and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas has given the Palestinian people hope for the possibility of peace with Israel. Matthias Burchardt, head of a UN agency dealing with Palestinian refugees, said that the Palestinians he met were hopeful that such face-to-face meetings would improve the situation and added that they all remarked that such actions are the last chance. The roadmap, ongoing efforts, and the meeting with Mr. Bush are seen as the last chances for a foreseeable future. Therefore, it is truly important that such actions are taken. People are tired and do not want this vicious cycle to continue.