A Jewish settler is reported to have been shot dead by Palestinians in the West Bank. The shooting happened as the man drove his car near a Jewish settlement close to Bethlehem. His death brings to 440 the number of people killed since the start of the Palestinian uprising last September. Most of those who died were Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Ireland is to receive a visit from an envoy despatched by the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat. The International Co-operation Minister, Nabil Shaath, will travel around Europe in an effort to build support for the Palestinian cause. He will seek support for Palestinian demands for a UN observer force in the Palestinian territories. Mr Shaath held talks with the EU representative for Foreign Policy and Defence in Brussels yesterday evening. He is expected to meet with EU Foreign Ministers there today. Mr Shaath will then visit Ireland as well as France, Britain and Norway.
