Mid-East security talks to resume

Israeli leaders want to resume security co-operation

The United States Middle East envoy, William Burns, appears to have secured both Israeli and Palestinian support for a resumption of security talks.

However, major differences remain over their content.

There will be another time to address the political problems. Now the relevant issue is to bring about a cessation of hostilities and violence

Raanan Gissin, Israeli Government spokesman

While the Palestinians want political as well as security issues, to be included, Israeli Government spokesman Ranaan Gissin told the BBC that the talks would be centre on establishing a ceasefire on both sides.

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said the talks - the first since April - could start as early as Tuesday; Palestinian Planning Minister Nabil Shaath said it might take longer.

'First step'

The issue of Jewish settlements on Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza - which Palestinians say should go hand in hand with talks on a ceasefire - would not be on the agenda, Israeli officials say.

Yasser Arafat: Talks must include issue of Jewish settlements

Mr Gissin said: "This is perhaps the first step towards implementing the ceasefire which we have already agreed unilaterally.

"There will be another time to address the political problems. Now the relevant issue is to bring about a cessation of hostilities and violence."

Since the resumption of talks was announced, an Israeli civilian has been killed in the West Bank.

Building freeze

An army spokeswoman said he was killed in his car by Palestinian fire, near the town of Nablus.

The breakthrough came after US envoy William Burns met both the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Mr Burns has called on both sides to implement a ceasefire and the recommendations of the Mitchell Commission.

The Commission, led by former US Senator George Mitchell, had called for an end to violence and for a series of confidence-building measures, including a freeze on building in Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza.

New incursions

Israel has objected to the settlement clause of the Mitchell report, saying it would have to maintain some construction to account for "natural growth."

Islamic Jihad mourns students killed in Gaza clashes.

Since fighting erupted last September, 478 people have been killed on the Palestinian side and 85 on the Israeli side.

The Israeli army on Monday staged new incursions in the Gaza Strip, witnesses said.

Two Israeli tanks, an armoured vehicle and two bulldozers entered an area east of Karni, destroying two farms and cutting 70 olive trees, said farm owner Mohammed Daloul.

An army spokesman said the bulldozers knocked down the olive trees to get a better view over a fence that separates Israeli and Palestinian territory.