Senior Hamas mbr. Mustafa Rawajba is found dead in the West Bank. The IDF issues a statement that Rawajba was "killed . . . while trying to plant an explosive charge," raising speculation that he was assassinated. The PSF releases the last Palestinians detained during Gaza protests on 10/8. The IDF conducts arrests raids in Hizma. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12; LAW 10/17)
In a briefing on the strikes on Afghanistan, Bush reiterates his support for creation of a Palestinian state, the boundaries of which would be negotiated, as long as it would recognize the right of Israel to exist; says he would meet with Arafat if he believed it would further the peace process; says "the world ought to applaud" Arafat for cracking down on "radical elements" as he did on 10/8. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12; MA 10/14 in WNC 10/15; MENA 10/22 in WNC 10/23)