Arabs Mark Independence Anniversary
Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied territories set off fireworks, danced and flew outlawed flags Wednesday, the anniversary of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s declaration of independence. There were similar celebrations in neighboring Lebanon.
In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, soldiers curtailed many festivities with curfews. The Gaza Strip was sealed off for a second day as Israeli security forces searched for the killers of two Israeli soldiers ambushed Monday.
Sgt. Zeev Traum, an Israeli reservist, died of his wounds Wednesday, officials said. The attack, outside Gaza City, also killed Cpl. Israel Truchtenbaum.
Generally, the Arab celebrations were peaceful. Palestinians declared an independent state at an Algiers meeting last Nov. 15.
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