Latest Developments No. 23 - Tuesday 10 October 2000,Web posted 3:00am (GMT+2), Ramallah, West Bank

In Yaffa, Israelis have set fire to both Al 'Ajami and Hassan Bek mosque in the center of the city, in addition to a number of Palestinian homes. Thousands of Palestinian residents have been trying for the past two hours to put out the fires. Clashes have erupted around the Hassan Bek Mosque between Palestinian and Jewish residents, with at least one Palestinian reportedly stabbed. The main road between Tel Aviv and Yaffa has been sealed.

The Follow-Up Committee for Arab Affairs have decided to take the following actions in light of the recent attacks:

1. 1. Demand the removal of Minister Shlomo Ben Ami from his post as Public Security Minister;
2. 2. Issuing an urgent memorandum to the United Nations;
3. 3. Forming an emergency committee to follow up the current situation.

Two attacks on the office of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak have been reported. In the first, an Israeli motorcyclist attempted to attack the office, reaching the steps of the office before being arrested by Israeli security. Half an hour later, the brother of the assailant also attempted to attack the office, but was apprehended before he could reach it.

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