Three Palestinians were killed and 15 wounded in shootings late yesterday and early today, threatening the calm that has accompanied a power-sharing deal between Islamic Hamas militants and the rival Fatah Party.

Israel tonight threatened to stop dealing with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, if he goes ahead with plans to join Hamas in a new government, as US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Arab allies sought a way to push forward the stalled peace process.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas today said he would step down within four days as part of his coalition agreement with the rival Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hamas and Fatah gunmen fought in Gaza City’s beachfront neighbourhoods and around security compounds this morning, ignoring renewed truce appeals and Arab mediation efforts.

Muslim pilgrims stampeded on the last day of a symbolic stoning ritual at the hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, today.