Israeli barrier guards killed

Israel says it needs the barrier to protect it from Palestinian attacks

Two Israeli security guards have been shot dead at the controversial barrier being constructed by the Jewish state.

They were attacked at a section of the barrier running through an Arab suburb of East Jerusalem, Abu Dis.

The barrier, which Israel says will prevent attacks on its citizens, is being built in the West Bank. It runs parallel with Israel's frontier, but in places reaches deep inside the West Bank to take in Jewish settlements there.

Critics regard it as an illegal annexation of Palestinian land.

Guide to the route and structure of the West Bank barrier

At-a-glance

The two privately-employed watchmen were guarding construction equipment when they came under fire.

They are said to have died instantly after being shot at close range.

Three other security guards at the site were unhurt and reportedly returned fire at the attacker, who escaped.

The militant al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility for the killings.

Israel said the Palestinian Authority would have to stamp out such violence if it was serious about reaching a ceasefire agreement.

"If it really wants to relaunch the peace process, it must stop such acts of terror," said government spokesman Avi Pazner.