60,000 Israelis Demonstrated

Around 60,000 Israelis including Jews and Arabian extractions at Tel Aviv on the 11th held a large-scale demonstration against the strong policies of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon toward Palestinian like holding on to the West Bank.

It was the largest anti Sharon gathering in Israel since the Inti Fatah (anti-Israel movement) in September, 2000 that tough policies against Palestinian is likely to be restricted considerably.

Crowds insisted, “leave the Palestinian territories. Sharon administration should accept the mediation proposal of Saudi Arabia to make a peace accord with Arab countries. ”

Previously, Israeli Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer announced on the 10th, “new operation on Gaza Strip will be postponed because of leaks about the army`s plans. ”Israeli press, however, reported that Sharon government postponed the military operation due to the pressure of America.

Meanwhile, leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria had talks at Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on the 11th, and urged Arab countries to support the `Saudi-inspired peace plan` adopted at the Arab summit talk in March.

Jong-Dae Ha orionha@donga.com