Palestinians say up to 23 people were killed and 50 wounded when Israeli tanks and helicopters opened fire on a demonstration in Gaza’s Rafah refugee camp.

Israel tonight backed off from threats to kill Yasser Arafat

Palestinian MPs today approved the new position of prime minister but a behind-the-scenes deal is reported to be already in place guaranteeing Yasser Arafat continued control over security and peace talks with Israel.

YASSER ARAFAT yesterday ejected Israel's demand that he provide a list of everyone holed up with him in his besieged office, a Palestinian negotiator said.

Confined to a tiny section of his largely demolished command centre, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has refused to hand over members of his entourage wanted by Israel.

A meeting between US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is expected to go ahead.

Ariel Sharon says Israel "is at war" and would strike relentlessly at Palestinian militants.

The United Nations, the EU and the US are all involved in crisis talks following the Israeli occupation of Yasser Arafat’s headquarters in Ramallah.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has spoken by phone to President Yasser Arafat in his Ramallah compound.

Inching toward a truce, Israeli and Palestinian security officials met under US supervision today.

Ireland is supporting peace efforts by Egypt in the Middle East. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen says some way has to be found to halt the murderous cycle of violence that has claimed over 60 lives in the past four days.

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat today rejected Israel’s accusation that he is failing to do enough to prevent terrorist attacks launched from his territory.