DATE=10/05/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (L)
NUMBER=2-267501
BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL
DATELINE=JERUSALEM
CONTENT=
VOICE AT:
INTRO: At least one Palestinian protester was shot and killed (Thursday) during demonstrations in the Gaza Strip, despite efforts to end the violence that has left about 70 people dead. V-O-A Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Jerusalem.
TEXT: The bloodshed occurred during an exchange of gunfire between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip.
Other clashes were reported, but the overall level of violence appears to be lower than in previous days. Israeli tanks withdrew from key intersections in the West Bank as part of what the army described as a cease-fire with Palestinian security officials.
The word came after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat failed to sign a formal agreement to end the bloodshed during U-S sponsored negotiations in Paris. Both sides, however, agreed verbally to try to put an end to the conflict.
Mr. Arafat refused to initial a written agreement and Mr. Barak returned to Israel.
The leaders originally were scheduled to resume discussions in Egypt.
The main sticking point appears to be the Palestinians' demand for an international inquiry into the violence. The Israelis have flatly rejected the proposal.
Upon his return to Gaza City, Mr. Arafat said an international committee must be formed to investigate what he called the "massacres and aggressions" against the Palestinian people. Mr. Barak said he is not sure the Palestinians will be a "partner for peace" and that "difficult tests" are ahead.
Responding to protests at American embassies in the Middle East, the United States announced it is shutting down its diplomatic missions in the region until next week.
Israeli police say they are beefing up security in Jerusalem on Friday, the day tens thousands of Muslims come to pray in the Old City.
The protests broke out last week when Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon visited a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem that is sacred to Muslims and Jews. (Signed)
NEB/MB/KL/JWH
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