BBC Saturday, 19 May, 2001, 14:48 GMT 15:48 UK

Israel ignores calls for ceasefire

Israeli helicopter gunships have made a new round of attacks on Palestinian security offices in the West Bank, ignoring international calls for restraint.

In further retaliation for Friday's suicide bomb attack on Israeli shoppers, buildings were rocketed in the towns of Tulkarm and Jenin, wounding at least 30 people, and in separate incidents, three Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops.

The attacks came as Arab ministers met in emergency session after Friday's bloodshed prompted calls around the world, most notably from the US, for an unconditional ceasefire.

In a serious escalation of the conflict, Israeli bomber aircraft had attacked Palestinian targets in the West Bank and Gaza, killing at least 12 people.

Six Israelis had been killed by the suicide bomber at a crowded shopping centre in the coastal Israeli town of Netanya a few hours before.

It was one of the worst days of violence since the Palestinian uprising began eight months ago.

As Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat prepared for Saturday's Arab League meeting, US Secretary of State Colin Powell urged leaders in the Middle East and elsewhere to condemn the violence and "do everything they can to control passions" in the region.

Even before the rocket attacks, however, the violence had resumed.

Palestinian sources said a Palestinian policeman had been shot dead in a gunbattle with an Israeli undercover unit at a checkpoint near the West Bank town of Jenin.

And a farmer was shot by Israeli troops in a field near the Karni crossing in Gaza, according to Palestinian hospital sources.

The Israeli army said both victims had been armed and posed a threat to soldiers.

Later, a third Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces in the West Bank town of Nablus, where thousands of mourners turned out for the funerals of 11 Palestinian policemen killed in Friday's attacks.

The Arab League has called once again for "urgent international protection" to be sent to the Palestinians.

Funerals are also being held on Saturday for another Palestinian and the seven Israelis who died in Friday's violence.

International pressure

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan called Israel's military response to Friday's Palestinian suicide bombing "disproportionate".

It was the first time the Israelis had used fighter bombers against Palestinian towns since 1967.

European leaders also voiced concern at the escalation in the fighting.

The Israeli prime minister's spokesman said the use of aircraft had been justified by the "seriousness" of the suicide attack in the coastal town of Netanya.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the murder of "innocent Palestinian or Israeli civilians".

The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, said it carried out the attack in Netanya, and has suggested that more will follow.

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2001