China Expresses Concern, Regret over Middle East Tension

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, September 20, 2002

China Expresses Concern, Regret over Middle East Tension

China is deeply concerned about the resurgence of tension in the Israel-Palestine situation after a period of relative calm.

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Israeli tanks enter Arafat compound

China is deeply concerned about the resurgence of tension in the Israel-Palestine situation after a period of relative calm.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan made the remarks Friday when asked to comment on the recent suicide bombing in Israel and on Israel's subsequent decision to surround Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's residence.

Kong said China condemns the suicide bombing, and at the same time, urges Israel to exercise restraint to avoid further deterioration of the situation.

Israeli army kill two Palestinians, destroys foundries

A Palestinian woman and man were killed and eight others wounded early Friday in an Israeli incursion into Gaza City, where Israeli troops also destroyed metal workshops and foundries.

Hospital officials in the city said Salima Duhdar, 26, and AhmedLubad, 35, were killed when Israeli troops opened fire in the neighborhood of Tufah, where they also razed eight metal workshops and foundries.

At least 15 tanks and armored vehicles moved into the area. Israeli troops used bulldozers and explosives to destroy Palestinian metal workshops, garages and foundries.

Local residents said the column of tanks, armored vehicles and bulldozers drove into Gaza City while spraying bullets from heavy machineguns atop the tanks.

They also reported exchange of fire between Palestinian militants and Israeli soldiers, during which seven Palestinians were wounded.

As soon as the Israeli army reached the neighborhood, the bulldozers began to demolish two foundries, which the Israeli army believes were being used to produce home-made missiles and grenades.

The Israeli army pulled out of the area after killing two people, wounding eight others and destroyed about eight workshops, metal factories and foundries.

The incursion was part of intensified Israeli reprisals following the back-to-back suicide bombing attacks in Israel in the past two days. Several people were killed and scores of others wounded in the attacks.

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