Israeli army kills eight as Labour says No to Sharon

ISRAELI forces killed eight Palestinians and an Israeli soldier was shot dead yesterday as Israel’s centre-left Labour Party said it was pulling out of talks on joining Ariel Sharon’s coalition.

Israeli troops also shot dead a “suspicious” Palestinian in the West Bank who ignored orders to stop, according to military sources.

The deaths raised to 42 the number of Palestinians killed this week, most in Israeli military raids into Gaza prompted by cross-border rocket attacks by the Islamic militant group Hamas. “We hold Israel fully responsible for this escalation,” said senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat.