An Israeli missile strike in the Gaza Strip killed four Palestinian militants this evening, according to witnesses.
The Israeli army confirmed that the air force had targeted an armed group during a raid in southern Gaza to halt mortar and rocket attacks on Jewish settlements, and that the target was hit.
Agreement reached by Sharon and Peres
Israel's Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, is reported to have reached an agreement with the Labour Party leader, Shimon Peres.
The deal appears to clear the final obstacle towards forming a united government.
Mr Sharon's office said Mr Peres would be appointed a deputy to the Prime Minister under a formula for settling a constitutional dispute that has been holding up the swearing in of a new administration.
The development would allow Mr Sharon to press ahead with his plan to withdraw Israeli troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip.
