Amid a resurgence of deadly violence in the Palestinian territories, Israeli Prime Minister-elect Mr Ariel Sharon revealed his intention to meet with Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat but signaled he would take a tough-line in any peace talks.
Mr Sharon conveyed that to Mr Arafat during a telephone conversation earlier today, the first time they have spoken since the Likud leader's election victory over incumbent Prime Minister Mr Ehud Barak on Tuesday.
He also received a boost from Mr Barak, who sent a message to Mr Arafat affirming Mr Sharon's position that far-reaching concessions offered to the Palestinians last month by Mr Barak's government in Taba, Egypt are no longer valid.
Mr Arafat and Mr Sharon's overtures came on a day in which a Palestinian boy died and 44 people were injured in clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, extending the four-month wave of violence that has left 397 people dead.
And militant anti-Israel group Islamic Jihad vowed it would launch new suicide bomb attacks against Israel in light of Sharon's election. The threat follows a car bomb explosion in Jerusalem yesterday in which there were no casualties.
Mr Sharon also presented UN special coordinator for the Middle East Terje Roed-Larsen with a sketch of his plans for the peace process which brought a favorable response.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell announced plans to tour the region at the end of the month.
"The purpose of this trip will be to share views with friends in the region, especially in Israel and Gaza and the West Bank, to make an assessment of the situation," Mr Powell said. AFP