RAMALLAH, Fla., April 13 (UPI) -- Yasser Arafat reportedly approved, in concept, an attack on a U.S. convoy in the Gaza Strip last year that took the lives of three Americans.

Middle East Newsline said Tuesday it was told by "U.S. diplomatic sources" a U.S. investigation into the attack on the convoy in October revealed a clear role by the Palestinian Authority chairman.

The sources told MENL Arafat had approved a plan to hit U.S. interests in Palestinian areas. They said Arafat did not draft or approve any details for an attack, but agreed to a proposal to "pass a message" to the United States.

The sources said a senior Arafat aide and a member of the Fatah Central Committee had sought approval for a Palestinian attack.

The Fatah official had complained about U.S. policy toward Palestinians.