US Vice-President Joe Biden told Palestinian leaders yesterday Washington will hold accountable any side that hurts peace prospects, pointedly citing Israel’s settlement expansion plans.

THE European Union yesterday joined the US in discouraging Palestinian intentions to seek international recognition of an independent state, urging instead a return to stalled peace talks with Israel.

PALESTINIAN president Mahmud Abbas yesterday called for an international force in the Gaza Strip, which is now controlled by the rival Hamas movement.

PALESTINIAN prime minister Ahmed Qureia surveyed the wreckage of Israel’s former Gaza Strip settlements yesterday after his government was handed control of the whole territory.

PALESTINIAN president Yasser Arafat's health took a dramatic turn for the worse yesterday, as an ambulance rushed to his West Bank headquarters amid unconfirmed reports he had collapsed.

PALESTINIAN leader Yasser Arafat declared the roadmap for peace plan dead as his rival, Prime Minister Mahmud Abbas, said he would quit if he doesn't win a vote of confidence.

HOPES that reformist Palestinian prime minister-designate Mahmud Abbas will declare a cabinet were fading yesterday after he said he would no longer discuss the formation of a new government with Yasser Arafat.