Republican senators in the US criticised the Bush administration today over its policies in Iraq, Iran and the Palestinian territories, as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s first testimony to Congress in months exposed her to a tough grilling from some members of her own party.

Israeli officials today agreed to make an overdue payment of about €54.7m owed to the Palestinians, but said future transfers will be halted once the militant group Hamas forms the next Palestinian government.

Turkey today offered to act as an intermediary between Israel and the Palestinians following Hamas’ surprise sweeping victory in Palestinian legislative elections.

A test has shown activity in both lobes of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s brain, but he remains comatose and in critical but stable condition, Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem said today.