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News Updates	Wed., September 22, 2004 Tishrei 7, 5765	Israel Time: 18:02 (GMT+3)

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Last Update: 22/09/2004 18:02

PA: We can't arrest those behind deadly strike on U.S. convoy

By Reuters

GAZA - Palestinian security forces know who was behind the killing of three Americans in Gaza nearly a year ago, but cannot act against the factions while fighting with Israel continues, said Musa Arafat, head of Military Intelligence and a cousin of Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat.

Describing the killers as "some Palestinian factions," Musa Arafat told Reuters on Wednesday that the United States also knew who was to blame.

Washington's anger at the failure to catch the killers has worsened relations that were already soured over U.S. accusations that the Palestinians had not done in enough to rein in militants.

"They know that we are in a very critical position and that clashing with any Palestinian party under the presence of the occupation is an issue that will present many problems for us," said the spy chief.

"The Americans have started recently to understand our position, and I expect that this crisis will also be resolved," he said.

The three American security guards were killed in an ambush in October when a bomb planted on a main road leading to Gaza City exploded under their vehicle in a diplomatic convoy.

As a result, U.S. officials have been banned from visiting Gaza and U.S. aid programs have been hampered.

Palestinian factions denied connection to the bombing but four gunmen of the militant coalition group, the Popular Resistance Committees, were held in jail for several months before being put on trial.

The four PRC men were acquitted by a Palestinian court but Arafat overruled the judge's decision. Militants from the group stormed the prison in April and freed three of their captives.

The security situation in Gaza has been further complicated by a power struggle among armed groups ahead of Israel's pullout from the territory it has occupied since the 1967 Middle East war.

Musa Arafat?s July appointment by his cousin sparked riots and protests throughout the Gaza Strip.

Critics consider him to be one of the most corrupt members of the Palestinian Authority.

Musa Arafat, who has a reputation as a strongman, said that he was busy reorganizing the security forces to be able to end an unprecedented upsurge of internal turmoil.

"I am sure we will be able to control ... It is a question of time," he said.

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