Death toll rises ahead of Israeli elections

At least 11 people have been killed over the last 24 hours in Mideast clashes that are escalating rapidly ahead of the Israeli general election in two weeks time.

Seven Palestinians, two other Arab attackers and two Israelis were among the dead. Three Palestinians and one of the Israelis were civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been accused of ordering increased military action to deflect attention from corruption allegations that have been hurting his re-election bid.

Two Israeli opinion polls published today showed Sharon’s Likud party recovering a little from a month-long drop in support.