VOA News
25 Jun 2003, 13:58 UTC
Israeli soldiers have killed two Hamas militants in Gaza, just hours before Israeli and Palestinian security officials are to discuss implementing the first phase of an internationally-backed peace plan.
Wednesday's clash was in the Beit Hanoun area of Gaza. Hamas said two of its gunmen were killed after barricading themselves in a house and exchanging fire with Israeli soldiers.
In a separate incident, Israeli security forces say they have prevented a possible suicide bombing with the arrests of two Palestinian militants in the town of Kafr Kassem - near the West Bank.
Israeli officials, acting on a tip Wednesday, say they apprehended the two men who had a powerful explosive device. Police later safely detonated the explosives.
The incidents come hours before Israeli and Palestinian security officials plan to meet to resume talks on a transfer of security responsibility in the northern Gaza Strip and the West Bank city of Bethlehem, in accordance with the first phase of the internationally-backed "road map" for peace.
The two sides were to meet Tuesday, when Israel was supposed to have responded to Palestinian demands. Israeli radio says that session was delayed by 24 hours at Israel's request.
Also Wednesday, Israeli and Palestinian leaders continue to await a response from Palestinian militant groups on whether they will agree to halt attacks on Israelis.
Media reports say a deal may be near, in which militants would agree to a three-month truce in exchange for an end to targeted killings and military incursions by Israel. The militant groups are also said to want the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Israel has repeatedly said it does not want a temporary ceasefire and demands total disarmament of militant groups.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
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