In Nablus, Arafat, 100s of pro-Hamas al-Najah University students discuss 3/30 incident. Arafat admits raid was a mistake, students accept apology. (WT 4/6)
IDF soldiers forbid a Palestinian woman in labor fr. crossing checkpoint into Jerusalem to reach a hospital. The baby dies fr. lack of medical care. At least 8 Palestinians have died since the closure was put in place 2/25 because they were unable to reach medical attention. (WT 4/10)
Israeli officials say Israel has submitted a draft of a defense pact to the U.S.; would like to issue joint statement when Peres comes to Washington 4/28 and have a strategic agmt. signed in 9/96, close to the U.S. presidential elections. Officials say that the U.S. Defense Dept. does not like the idea of a formal, signed pact but is willing to issue the joint statement to boost Peres before the Israeli elections 5/29. (HA 4/5 in FBIS 4/5, 4/8; HA 4/9 in FBIS 4/9)
Cmdr. of the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) in Jordan, Brig. Muhammad Qudsiyya, sends a written resignation to Arafat. Arafat calls the second-in-command, Col. Faysal al-Fahum, for an audience in the self-rule areas within 24 hrs. Jordan has been paying PLA salaries since 5/94. (AFP 4/5 in FBIS 4/8)