Violence as UN discusses Mid-East

Anger in Gaza is high after 350 Palestinian deaths

Clashes have continued in the Palestinian territories as members of the United Nations Security Council prepared to discuss sending international observers to protect Palestinians.

The hearing has been requested by the Palestinian side, but Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said it was unnecessary and would only exacerbate the situation.

The situation remains very dangerous and we believe that the Council remains obligated to act

Palestinian UN representative Nasser al-Kidwa

"The Palestinians don't need a protection force - the minute they stop shooting there won't be any need for protection," said Mr Peres, who addressed the Council on Wednesday and is in the US ahead of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's maiden visit next week.

The debate comes amid reports of further violence, with the body of a Palestinian teenager - apparently shot in the head during clashes with the army - found near Qalqilya in the West Bank.

Israel's chokehold on the territories has tightened

Later, seven children were treated for burns in Hebron after a stun grenade was fired by Israeli troops into their elementary school.

Residents said there were no serious clashes at the time. The school is near the Avraham Avinu Jewish settlement which is a regular flashpoint in this West Bank city.

In Gaza about 300 doctors with a dozen ambulances held a procession and delivered a letter to the UN calling for Israel to lift its closure of the Palestinian territories and stop "aggressions" against medical workers.

International observation

More than 400 people - mostly Palestinians - have been killed in nearly six months of violent clashes that have followed the collapse of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.

Palestinians have tried to break through roadblocks

Last October, Israel said it would consider a US-led commission investigating the violence, but ruled out UN involvement.

Palestinian observer at the UN Nasser al-Kidwa has accused Israel of now trying to sideline the investigating commission, which it asked to be suspended until Mr Sharon's government was in place.

Mr Peres was told that almost all the members of the Security Council favoured sending UN observers to the Palestinian territories; but Mr al-Kidwa admitted it would be hard to get it adopted without US support.

Blockade

There has been an increase in tension in the Palestinian territories since the veteran hardliner Sharon took up the reins of power last week.

There were angry scenes in Palestinian areas when Israel's stranglehold on the occupied West Bank and Gaza was initially tightened,

On Thursday it was announced that the closure was being relaxed following a security cabinet decision to "make life easier" for the population there.

Thousands attended funeral for Ahmed Banar in Gaza

Israel insists the measures followed specific information about "terrorist" activity.

The military is now allowing fishing and the transport raw materials and merchandise into the Gaza Strip, and more freedom of movement in the West Bank, but it will keep up pressure on the Palestinian leadership.

The Palestinian economy has been devastated by months of Israel's economic blockade and resctrictions of movement.

In Gaza City, about 2,000 mourners shouting for "revenge" marched in an angry procession for the funeral of a Palestinian who was killed on Wednesday.

Two Palestinians have also died from medical conditions in recent days, apparently after they were prevented from reaching hospitals by the blockade.