NEWS: The Appointment of Moussa Arafat as New Security Chief Brings Chaos in Palestine., page 1

Yasser Arafat appointment of Moussa Arafat, a relative, as the newest Palestinian security services chief brings chaos in Palestine as militant Palestinians sacked and burned their own government offices in demonstration against Yasser Arafat's choice. The militants are demanding reforms, as well as new faces according to the Associated Press. There was an exchange of fire with the police which wounded three of the militants. No casualties have been reported from either side.

Militants Sack, Burn Palestinian Offices
The divide between the two sides centered on the appointment of Moussa Arafat, Arafat's cousin, as the new head of Palestinian security. Many Palestinians rejected him as a symbol of corruption and cronyism, propelling long-held dissatisfaction into the open.

Dozens of masked gunmen marched through the Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza after sundown Sunday, chanting, "No to Moussa Arafat, yes to reform."

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This internal unrest is the most serious since 2003 according to the report. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stated that this latest confrontation reinforced his view that Israel cannot negotiate with present Palestinian leadership.

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[edit on 19-7-2004 by Muaddib]