Violence delays Israeli handover

Clashes marked Israel's 52nd anniversary

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has delayed a planned handover of land to Palestinian control, after the worst day of violence in the West Bank and Gaza for two years.

Four Palestinians were killed and more than 200 people were injured, including nine Israeli soldiers, during Palestinian protests marking the anniversary of the creation of Israel.

The Knesset voted 56-48 for Mr Barak's plan to transfer three villages near Jerusalem - Abu Dis, Eizariyeh and Sawahreh - to Palestinian administration.

Mr Barak convinced the parliament

However, in a crucial proviso, he said the handover would be delayed indefinitely.

"We decided to present the proposal for confirmation but we will delay the execution of the transfer until the reasons for today's violence are clarified," Mr Barak said.

Mr Barak said the transfer would inject momentum into the peace process, although the violence showed that the way to peace was not easy.

The prime minister won the vote despite strong opposition from Israeli hardliners and some of his own cabinet.

The PLO executive committee is very proud of this strong popular uprising

Palestinian statement

Six ministers voted against him and one announced his intention to resign.

In exchange for the handover, Mr Barak wants the Palestinians to postpone talks on a further Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank until negotiators have reached agreement on the outlines of a final peace treaty.

Day of violence

Palestinian protests marking the 52nd anniversary of the creation of Israel erupted into riots, with open gun-battles being fought with Israeli soldiers.

The BBC Correspondent in Jerusalem says the clashes showed Palestinian frustration at delays in the peace process.

US Middle East envoy Dennis Ross was expected to meet Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Tuesday to resume mediation efforts.

The worst clashes for two years

In clashes on the outskirts of the West Bank town of Ramallah, a gun battle lasted for more than two hours between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians.

Witnesses said that, near the West Bank town of Jenin, several Israeli soldiers had fired live rounds into a large crowd of demonstrators, injuring 10 people.

Palestinian police returned fire.

In Gaza, hundreds of protesters set fire to tyres and hurled stones at troops guarding the Jewish settlement of Netzarim.