Mother and four children killed by militants

Palestinian militants attacked an Israeli vehicle near the entrance of a Jewish settlement in the Gaza Strip, killing four children and their mother, the Israeli army said. Two attackers were killed.

The attack near the entrance of the Gush Katif bloc of settlements came as the ruling Likud Party was holding a referendum on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan to pull out of Gaza.

Army Radio said the militants had opened fire on the vehicle, then apparently detonated a bomb after soldiers arrived. Settler representatives said four soldiers had been wounded. The army had no confirmation on the report.

The attack was the deadliest on Israeli settlers in Gaza in many months and it was unclear how it would affect today’s vote. Polls have shown voters are closely divided over the withdrawal plan.

Sharon has said his plan would boost Israel’s security in the absence of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. His opponents have accused Sharon of caving in to Palestinian militants.

There has been a spike in Gaza violence since Sharon announced his intentions to exit the territory several months ago, with each side trying to claim victory ahead of a withdrawal.

Israel had gone on high security alert today ahead of the referendum, dividing Gaza into three sections and restricting Palestinian travel.