Israeli officials said they would not meet Palestinian negotiators today to discuss political issues because of new violence, including the killing of a Jewish settler in the Gaza Strip.
They said separate talks on security contacts might go ahead but gave no details. Palestinian officials said they had not been informed of plans for a security meeting.
An Israeli negotiatior said yesterday the two sides would continue talks in the coming days to sustain the momentum of Middle East peacemaking, but did not say when meetings were planned.
Senior Palestinian negotiator Mr Saeb Erekat said Israeli officials had confirmed by telephone today that political talks would not be held immediately, but gave no reason.
The Israeli army completely sealed off the Gaza Strip today after Jewish settler Mr Roni Tsalach was found shot dead. Israel's prime minister Mr Ehud Barak said Israel would find the killers and they will be punished as others have been punished for attacks in the past.
Reuters
