Israel Withdraws From Arafat Compound
Responding to U.S. pressure, Israel withdrew forces from Yasser Arafat's headquarters compound on Sunday, but said the hunt for men inside whom they accuse of terrorism would continue.

Arafat himself accused Israel of violating a U.N. Security Council resolution which demanded an end to the siege that began Sept. 19.

"They are trying to deceive the Security Council," Arafat told reporters in his office minutes after Israeli troops rolled out of the compound, leaving behind shattered buildings around Arafat's office. He called the pull back a "cosmetic movement."

After the decision was announced, the Israeli flag was pulled down from one of the few buildings left standing in the devastated compound. Troops began removing tanks, bulldozers, coils of unused barbed wire and lighting equipment.

As the Israelis left, some of Arafat's guards emerged through the rubble, smiling and embracing.

"It's not a complete withdrawal," said Mohammed Abu Sarifa, 24, one of the guards, who had a black beard from days without shaving because of a lack of water. "They are still around the compound, but we will stay here to protect the president, whether it is for a day or two days or for a year."

Israeli officials said they would try to capture suspected terrorists they said were with Arafat. Israel Radio reported that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told his Cabinet that 41 people inside were wanted by Israel. Earlier, officials had given numbers ranging from 19 to 50, but offered few names.…

Arafat, however, said no one would be turned over.

"It must be known to everybody that we have not and will not turn any of our people in to the Israelis," Arafat said.

U.N. envoy Terje Roed-Larsen entered the building immediately after Israeli troops left. "This is not the end of the crisis but a springboard to put us back on to political process" toward a peace agreement, said Mark Dennis, Larsen's spokesman.

Israeli politicians from the left and the right called the decision a surrender. Many politicians have said the siege only strengthened Arafat at a time when he was under growing pressure to reform his government and cede some power.

Some Palestinian political leaders said the withdrawal was a victory.

"The decision by President Arafat and his aides to remain steadfast was the reason for this decision," said Palestinian Cabinet Secretary Ahmed Abdel Rahman. "It's possible to change positions and facts on the ground through this steadfastness."

Israel has accused Arafat of doing nothing to end terror attacks against Israeli civilians, even providing tacit encouragement. The Palestinians have argued that Israel's travel restrictions in the West Bank and Gaza and its military strikes have rendered their security services powerless.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/29/international/middleeast/29WIRES-ISRA.html