Military

DATE=07/17/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS (L)

NUMBER=2-292112

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Israeli troops have shot and killed one of the Palestinian attackers who killed eight Israelis outside a Jewish settlement Tuesday in the West Bank. Ross Dunn in Jerusalem also reports, Israel has called off talks scheduled Wednesday with the Palestinians.

TEXT: Israeli troops killed the Palestinian in a fierce exchange of gunfire, near the Jewish settlement of Emmanuel in the West Bank.

The gunman is reported to have been one of at least three Palestinians who detonated a roadside bomb beside a bus, and opened fire on passengers as they began exiting the damaged vehicle.

During the gun-battle, a second gunman succeeded in fleeing the scene, and Israeli security forces confined residents in the Jewish settlement of Emmanuel to their homes, as a massive manhunt got underway.

Among the dead from the attack on Tuesday were a nine-month old baby, her father and her grandmother.

Another of the victims was a premature baby, delivered by emergency Caesarian section in an attempt to save the life of the mother, who was critically injured.

At least four militant Palestinian groups claimed responsibility for the killings -- Hamas, Fatah, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Israeli military officials believe that Hamas carried out the attack.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the killings, saying it is opposed to all attacks against civilians, whether they be Israeli or Palestinian.

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres canceled a planned meeting with Palestinian officials, accusing the Palestinian Authority of failing to halt the killing of innocent civilians. (Signed)

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