Israel said today it would impose a blockade on the West Bank city of Hebron in response to the killing of a Jewish settler baby.
The Israeli army said the baby was shot dead by a Palestinian sniper. The Palestinians were not immediately available for comment.
In a discussion between Israeli Defence Minister Mr Binyamin Ben-Eliezer and Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon, it was decided to impose a blockade on the city of Hebron and a curfew on the Abu Sneinah neighbourhood where the shooting that killed the baby came from, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The army spokesman said the blockade was meant to prevent further terrorist activities in the area. Israel has imposed closures on Palestinian areas since the uprising against Israeli occupation erupted in September.
Mr Sharon had said he had eased restrictions earlier in the month, but Palestinians called the changes cosmetic.
Palestinians say the closure, which hampers movement and has dealt a severe blow to the economy, is collective punishment.