Israeli troops arrest Hamas leader and kill boy, 5, in raid

ISRAELI troops conducted a series of raids in the West Bank city of Nablus yesterday, arresting a Hamas leader and killing a five-year-old Palestinian boy, Palestinian witnesses said.

Also yesterday, an army force destroyed five houses in the Rafah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.

The violence came amid efforts to arrange a meeting between the Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Saturday the summit could take place as soon as this week.