Roundups in Ramallah Target Police

RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Stripped to their underwear, the Palestinian policemen emerged from the Darraghmeh apartment building, some still bleeding from gunshot wounds. Under heavy guard, they surrendered to Israeli forces before being led away blindfolded.

One policeman, the first out the door, was shot dead, apparently because he was still holding his gun as he went to surrender. A second bled to death in the overnight raid, witnesses said Monday.

Israeli forces who have seized control of the West Bank city of Ramallah have, in addition to cornering Yasser Arafat, rounded up hundreds of men; raided houses, businesses and hospitals; and pounded targets with artillery. Many of those captured or killed in Ramallah have been police, the very security agents who would have to enforce a cease-fire and arrest gunmen if Arafat were inclined to give such orders. Israel maintains that many police have engaged in terrorism.

Early today, Israeli armor backed by gunships attacked the U.S.-built headquarters of Col. Jibril Rajoub, the Palestinian security chief in the West Bank. Flames and smoke were leaping from the sprawling complex.