The US Middle East envoy Mr Anthony Zinni plans to continue talks on a ceasefire despite a new surge of violence, a US Embassy official said today.
Mr Zinni, who has been in the region for two weeks, has so far failed to secure a truce after 18 months of violence but "hasn't given up hope," the official said.
"He's planning on staying and hopes to meet Palestinians and Israelis today," he added.
The embassy official said the Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon had spoken by telephone with the Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell shortly before sending tanks to Ramallah. He gave no details of their conversation.