Israel's Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon told Sunday's cabinet meeting that "the conditions are not ripe for the establishment of any kind of Palestinian state."
Sharon was speaking during a report to ministers on his latest visit in Washington, and his talks with U.S. President George W. Bush.
Bush is meeting with his top advisors this weekend to craft a new policy for the Middle East. The U.S. leader could unveil his new Middle East plan as soon as Monday.
In Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Maher cast doubt on Sunday on proposals for a provisional Palestinian state being considered by the U.S. administration.
"This proposal means that today such a state exists, but tomorrow it might not. It's incomprehensible and no one has ever heard of such a thing," Maher told reporters.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli troops while trying to cross a checkpoint near the northern West Bank town of Nablus, Palestinian witnesses told AFP. The Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli troops while trying to walk across the al-Hamra checkpoint, which is close to the village of Tammun, to the northeast of Nablus, they said Sunday.
Additionally, Mahmud el-Abed, 23, from Sheikh Radwan in the Gaza Strip has been identified as the attacker killed after opening fire at Israeli troops near the settlement of Dugit Saturday night, media sources reported. The military wing of Hamas claimed it was behind this attack.
Also late Saturday, a Qassam 1 rocket was shot from the Gaza Strip into a nearby Israeli settlement within the Green Line border, but no injuries or damage were reported, the Israeli army said. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
