VOA News
25 Jun 2003, 19:03 UTC
Palestinian militant groups have vowed revenge for attacks that killed four Palestinians Wednesday, casting doubt on chances for a cease-fire deal with Israel.
Hamas' military wing says it will retaliate against Israel for attacks that killed two of its militants in the Beit Hanoun area of Gaza today.
Also Wednesday, senior leaders of Palestinian militant groups denied reports that they have agreed to a temporary cease-fire, saying internal discussions are still on-going.
A Palestinian official said in Jerusalem that Islamic Jihad, Hamas and Fatah have agreed to a three-month halt in attacks. Media reports said an agreement was signed by top leaders of the three factions in Damascus, Syria, and that jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti was instrumental in getting the groups to agree to the truce.
In Washington, President Bush - reacting to reports of a cease-fire - said he would believe it when he sees it. He also said groups such as Hamas must be completely disbanded in order for there to be peace.
In other violence, two Palestinians, including a woman, were killed and 14 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike near the town of Khan Younis in Gaza. Israel says the airstrike was aimed at Hamas militants who were about to shell a Jewish settlement in Gaza.
And in Kafr Kassem, near the West Bank, Israeli security forces say they have prevented a possible suicide bombing with the arrests of two Palestinian militants who had a powerful explosive device.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
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