Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Saturday called on his people to "terrorize your enemy" as he bitterly marked the 56-year anniversary of Israel's establishment, but also signaled that he is ready for peace. In a speech broadcast live on Palestinian television, Arafat repeatedly called on his people to be steadfast in their struggle against Israeli occupation. He ended the speech with a quote from the Quran. "Find what strength you have to terrorize your enemy and the enemy of God," he said. "And if they want peace, then let's have peace." Arafat, whom Israel accuses of supporting militant groups, did not appear to be calling for new attacks on Israel. The passage in the Quran refers to the early Muslims' wars against pagans and is frequently invoked by Islamic leaders today to encourage strength in times of conflict.
| Then what the hell did it call for? |
Arafat spoke as Palestinians marked what they refer to as the "catastrophe" of Israel's independence on May 15, 1948. |