An Israeli army chief has admitted that the killing of three Palestinian women apparently by Israeli tankfire may have been a mistake.
Representatives from both sides are meeting with CIA chief Mr George Tenet to find an end to the violence and have accused each other of violating a ceasefire.
Israeli army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz said soldiers were under fire from four directions and fired back but added that an army error may have led to the deaths in a camp near the Jewish settlement of Netzarim.
A thousand mourners at the women's Gaza Strip funeral escorted the flag-draped bodies and urged Palestinian militants to "revenge the martyrs' blood."
Lt. Gen. Mofaz said: "It's very possible that there was a mistake and they used the wrong range. That is under investigation. It is night, it is dark, you are fired upon and it is possible to make a mistake."
Palestinians have demanded that Israel and the US condemn the killings of Ms Nessra Malaha, 65, Ms Salimia Malaha, 46, and her niece, Ms Hikmet Malaha, 17.
US Assistant Secretary of State William Burns expressed regret in a statement offering condolences.
He said: "We believe that the (Israeli army) should ensure that the response to any gunfire emanating from Palestinian populated areas minimizes the danger to the lives and property of Palestinian civilians."
Palestinian shooting attacks and other violence that has resulted in Israeli injuries in recent days also must stop, his statement said.
PA