Israeli settlers said today that they will slowly resume building new Jewish homes in West Bank settlements – just hours after a construction ban which helped jump-start Middle East peace talks expired.

THE more moderate line promoted by Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s new centrist party has suffered a big setback after plans for new settlement buildings were revealed.

The more moderate line promoted by Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s new centrist party suffered a big setback when plans for new settlement buildings were revealed.

Israeli forces widened their offensive into the West Bank today, briefly entering Bethlehem, occupying several other towns and continuing a sweep for militants in fully occupied Ramallah.

A suspected Palestinian gunman has killed an Israeli motorist after opening fire on him from a passing vehicle in the West Bank today.