Military

DATE=11/02/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-268742

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

/// EDs: This can be used as an alternate to 2-268737, Israel / Ceasefire, by Laurie Kassman ///

INTRO: Israel is pulling back tanks and troops from flash points in the Palestinian territories following the announcement of an agreement to end five weeks of Israeli-Palestinian violence. VOA Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Negotiations between Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres led to the agreement.

Mr. Peres says Mr. Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will issue public appeals to restore calm.

/// PERES ACT ///

We hope that we shall have two or three days without funerals. We shall return to normalize the situation in the territories and return to the peace talks.

/// END ACT ///

The Israeli Army says orders have been given to withdraw tanks and lift the closures around Palestinian communities.

Shortly after the announcement Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian man during a protest in a village near Jerusalem.

On Wednesday at least six Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes in the West Bank and Gaza. (Signed)

NEB/MB/KL/PFH