Boy, 9, killed as Israeli troops raid West Bank town and destroy houses

THE Israeli army carried out a sweeping raid against militants in the West Bank yesterday, killing four people and destroying a building that was home to 60.

Meanwhile, an Israeli developer began construction of a new neighbourhood in the section of Jerusalem claimed by the Palestinians.

The Israeli actions came as Palestinian officials and militants prepared to meet in Cairo to consider a ceasefire with Israel, while a model Mideast peace treaty was unveiled in Geneva and a US envoy arrived in hopes of restarting peace talks.