Israel-Palestinian ceasefire is under strain

The five-month ceasefire in the &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/world/2001/08/21/12967.html ' target=_blank>Israel-Palestinian conflict was under continuing strain after Israel launched a missile at Hamas militants in response to a Gaza rocket attack which killed three people on Tuesday.

Witnesses said the militants escaped unharmed from the strike which was launched 24 hours after three greenhouse workers - two Palestinians and a Chinese man - were killed in a &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2002/07/23/33054.html ' target=_blank>Qassam rocket attack on the Jewish Gaza settlement of Ganei Tal. Seven Palestinians were also injured.

The retaliation came amid signs of a debate within the Israeli security establishment over how to respond to militant violence in the run-up to the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, stressed the "opportunity" for progress for Palestinians in the peace process if the leadership could impose security after the Israeli withdrawal, informs the Independent.