Israel killing threatens renewed conflict

How will Israel react?

The killing of an Israeli Government minister by Palestinian gunmen takes tit-for-tat violence to a new pitch.

Responsibility for the shooting of Rehavam Ze'evi has been claimed by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - the second largest organisation in Yasser Arafat's PLO. It was, they said, a response to the killing of one of their own leaders, Abu Ali Mustafa, at the end of August, when Israeli helicopters fired two missiles through the windows of his office.

Ariel Sharon says he holds Palestinian President Yasser Arafat responsible for the assassination, adding ominously, 'Nothing will be the same again. Israeli government spokesman Ambassador Avi Pasner, gives his view on what this means for the 'targeted killings' policy and the shaky Arab-Israeli ceasefire.

The extraordinary international impact of isolated anthrax attacks has continued today - with incidents reported around the country. Downing Street says new guidelines will be issued this afternoon - offering GPs and front-line health staff extra information on clinical and laboratory procedures.

Although the government is keen to emphasise that a sense of perspective should be maintained, the material used in the US is described as a military strain. John Eldridge, the editor of Jane's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence, believes that analysis of this type of material could offer clues about the possible origin of the anthrax.

Some British drug companies have been accused of cashing in, offering prescription anthrax antibiotics for sale on the open market. Jules Eden of Menscare answers the criticisms.

The Taleban authorities claim that a refugee convoy has been hit in an American bombing raid. A group of six international aid agencies has issued a formal request for an immediate pause in the bombing. Otherwise, they say, the coalition will fail in its promise to make humanitarian aid as important as military action. Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw responds.

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