Premature baby latest victim of mideast violence

Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian gunman today as they mounted a massive manhunt in the rocky hills of the West Bank for militants who killed eight when they ambushed a bus near a Jewish settlement.

Separately, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat denounced US demands that he be replaced and said he would run in January elections if the PLO leadership approves his candidacy.

The death toll from yesterday’s attack reached eight when a premature baby delivered by Caesarean section after the attack died.

The boy, whose 22-year-old mother remained in serious condition, was believed to be the youngest victim of more than 21 months of fighting.

Heavy exchanges of fire continued today between Israeli army forces and Palestinian gunmen in the area of the Jewish settlement of Emmanuel where the attack occurred.

One Palestinian was shot and killed. Three Israeli soldiers were injured, one seriously, the army said.

Israel called off a high-level meeting with Palestinians scheduled for today after the ambush, whose victims included an eight-month-old girl, her father and grandmother.

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, who advocates resuming talks, said the Palestinians were harming themselves by carrying out attacks.

Arafat denounced US President George Bush’s call for a Palestinian leadership change, saying he would run in January elections if the PLO leadership agreed.

“They (the US) have to understand that this is not Afghanistan and that they can’t change things as they want,” he said.