Five people were killed today in two Palestinian separate attacks in the Gaza strip, Israeli officials reported.
A Palestinian militant killed a Jewish settler and two other Israelis in an ambush, hurling grenades and opening fire at a convoy on a Gaza Strip settlement road this evening, Israeli security sources and officials have said.
Hospital officials said two died on the spot and a third in hospital. Security sources said four soldiers were injured in the attack near the Kissufim border crossing.
The Gaza attack took place after what Israel said was the fifth attempted suicide bombing against Israelis in 24 hours.
Earlier today two people died in a suicide car bomb attack a West Bank Jewish settlement outside Jerusalem.
The Palestinian suicide bomber and an Israelie policeman were killed in the attack near the Maale Adumim settlement, Israeli security sources said. Another policeman was also injured, police
The blast occurred between the Azaim checkpoint on the road leading southwest to Jericho in the West Bank and the Jewish settlement of Maale Aduumim. Another policeman was also injured, police said.
Meanwhile the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Ariel Sharon, was preparing to meet his army chiefs tonight to decide on Israel's response to the Palestinian attacks. This follows his meeting with his expanded security cabinet yesterday.
Yesterday Israeli Foreign Minister Mr Shimon Peres secretly met Palestinian parliament speaker Mr Ahmed Qorei to discuss a joint peace plan, Israeli army radio reported today. The plan is opposed by and it lacks the approval of the Palestinian Authority.
Mr Peres was to meet officials of the secular Shinui party today to try to convince its six members of parliament to back the plan, though party leader Mr Tommy Lapid recently expressed strong reservations about it.
The plan is also expected to be discussed when Mr Peres goes to Madrid on Thursday for talks with Spanish Prime Minister Mr Jose Maria Aznar and Spanish Foreign Minister Mr Josep Pique. Spain holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.
AFP and