Egypt was preparing to meet representatives of Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority today in an attempt to halt the fighting in Gaza.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has invited the Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian leaders to attend a summit in Egypt, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said today.

President Mary McAleese sent a message of condolence to Egypt today after the tragic sinking of a passenger ferry carrying around 1,300 people.

Riot police fought with voters, firing tear gas and bullets that killed one person, as the state barred polling stations in opposition strongholds in the third and final round of Egypt's legislative elections.

Riot police clashed with would-be voters and blocked off polling stations to prevent people from casting ballots in several Muslim Brotherhood and opposition strongholds today, as Egypt entered the final round of legislative elections marred by violence and allegations of rigging.