Military

DATE=11/03/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS / JERUSALEM (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-268793

BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: One day after Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to a truce, clashes are still breaking out in the West Bank and Gaza. Israeli security was on high alert in Jerusalem's Old City as Muslim worshipers went to Al Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers. Only men over the age of 45 were allowed to enter the area. Correspondent Laurie Kassman has this report from Jerusalem.

TEXT: /// SFX OF PRAYERS AND FADE ///

Muslim youngsters who could not enter the Old City gathered just outside Damascus Gate to pray.

One religious leader who usually goes to Al Aqsa Mosque, came to lead the group in prayer. Israeli soldiers in full riot gear were lined up nearby.

/// RELIGIOUS LEADER ACT ///

I can go, but I don't leave those young people, my brothers, to pray alone, because I am Iman in a mosque there.

/// END ACT ///

Inside the Old City, 48-year-old Basha has just come from mid-day prayers at Al Aqsa Mosque. He says a small protest outside was brief and peaceful. But he doubts the current cease-fire will last.

/// BASHA ACT ///

We have Yasser Arafat as President of the Palestinians, of the P-L-O. But for the people in the street, he can't control the intifada. The intifada is out of his hands.

/// END ACT ///

Basha says he would not mind if his two young sons joined the intifada either.

/// BASHA ACT TWO ///

If my kids died in this intifada, I would be proud. I would be very happy to see my kids fighting for their homeland.

/// END ACT ///

/// SFX of MARKET UP AND FADE UNDER ///

There was a feeling of normality among the fruit stands in the narrow warren of streets inside the Old City. Vendors shouted to potential customers to buy their fresh produce as they do every other day. But nobody would venture a guess about how long the calm would last.

Minor clashes have broken out in several areas of the West Bank and Gaza despite the truce agreed late on Wednesday,

Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders say they are committed to the cease-fire. But both also say the next 48 hours will test their commitment. Israel says it is giving Palestinian leaders more time to restrain the rock throwers. Palestinians say they are watching to see if Israel fulfills its commitments, too. (Signed)

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