Palestinian PM in truce efforts

Hamas does not favour a new truce

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei is meeting leaders of militant factions in Gaza to discuss the possibility of a new ceasefire with Israel.

Mr Qurei and Egyptian mediators are holding talks with leaders of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other groups.

It is his first attempt to secure an end to attacks on Israelis since his cabinet was sworn in last week.

A previous ceasefire involving Hamas and Islamic Jihad collapsed in late August after seven weeks.

Dialogue

Mr Qurei has said his first priority is to persuade the various Palestinian factions to observe a truce, in the hope of reviving discussions with Israel on the stalled road map peace plan.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who bear responsibility for most of the suicide bombings carried out against Israelis, have signalled that they are prepared to discuss the issue.

"Any new proposal or any initiative should be guaranteed that the enemy will be committed to halt their aggression against our people and not to violate the hudna (ceasefire)," Islamic Jihad spokesman Nafez Azzam said.

Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin has ruled out an immediate suspension of anti-Israeli attacks, saying a truce had failed in the past because Israel did not want peace or security for the Palestinians.

Another group, al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, has issued a statement saying it is "committed to continue resistance and confronting the occupation all over Palestine".

Summit

In the latest violence, five tourists have been injured in a shooting at a border crossing with Jordan.

And on Tuesday, two Israeli soldiers were shot dead by a Palestinian gunman at a West Bank checkpoint on Tuesday.

They were the first Israelis killed by Palestinians for nearly a month.

One report says Palestinian police have arrested a suspect.

Efforts are continuing to arrange a meeting between Mr Qurei and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, in a bid to give the peace process renewed impetus.

The Israeli Defence Minister, Silvan Shalom, said the meeting would take place next week.

However, Palestinian officials say no date has been set and that both sides must be properly prepared for the meeting.