West Bank Arabs strike to protest Israeli policies

Residents of four Arab towns in the Israeli-occupied West Bank of the Jordan went on strike Wednesday to protest Israel's Jewish settlement policies. The action closed shops, offices, and schools in Nablus, Ramallah, El Bireh, and Bethlehem. The strike was called by the National Guidance Council, comprising West Bank mayors and other local Arab leaders, which was set up two years ago to coordinate opposition to Israeli plans for limited Palestinian self-rule.

West Bank Arabs outmaneuvered Israeli soldiers and packed 300-strong into a hall for a secret rally against Israel's move to let Jews live in the all-Arab city.