Palestinians today fired a mortar bomb at a Jewish settlement in the southern Gaza Strip. The attack comes after Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat ordered an end to all attacks on Israelis.
In a televised address, Mr Arafat also said that Israel must stop its own "brutal war" against the Palestinian Authority and its institutions. He urged Israel to return to peace talks as the only way to resolve the conflict.
A spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, said that he hoped that Mr Arafat would follow his words with deeds. The White House welcomed Mr Arafat's comments. A spokesman said that the words were constructive but actions were needed to back them up.
Earlier, Israeli helicopters carried out missile attacks on a Palestinian police station and another security building in a refugee camp north of Gaza City.
Palestinian sources said that both buildings were badly damaged and several houses were also hit. The Israeli army said that the operation was in retaliation for a mortar attack on Israeli positions.
Meanwhile, Palestinians have called on the US to send their Middle East special envoy, Anthony Zinni, back to the region immediately. The American State Department said that Mr Zinni was returning to Washington for consultations but would remain engaged in Middle East affairs.
General Zinni has spent the last three weeks attempting to find a breakthrough in talks between Israel and the Palestinians. The Palestinian Chief Negotiator, Saeb Erekat, described Mr Zinni as the only ray of hope in a bleak situation.
