May 13, 2002

The IDF sends troops into Halhul, where they clash with residents, killing 2 Palestinians; searches homes in Bayt Umar. Arafat leaves Ramallah for the 1st time since 12/01 to tour damage in Bethlehem, Jenin town, Nablus; the turnout to greet him relatively poor. In Ramallah, 5 masked men attack, beat PA M for NGO affairs Hassan Asfour, injuring him, his bodyguard. (AFP 5/13; NYT, WP, WT 5/14; MA 5/14 in WNC 5/17; QA 5/15 in WNC 5/16; MEI 5/17)