Palestinians using cell phones to detonate bombs

JERUSALEM — Israeli authorities are warning of more sophisticated Palestinian bombing attacks in the wake of two explosions in Tel Aviv detonated by cell phones. At the same time officials have begun easing restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

On Thursday, a Jerusalem resident disconnected a mobile phone connected to a bomb in a garbage can. A few minutes later, the phone rang but the bomb did not explode.

"We are talking of a very large bomb made up of two mortars," Jerusalem police commander Michael Levy said.

Two Palestinians suspects were arrested and interrogated in connection with the attempted bombing, Middle East Newsline reported.

Two similar bombs exploded in Tel Aviv last month.

Israeli troops reopened a road in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday as well as the border terminal with Egypt. On Friday, authorities planned to allow the reopening of the Palestinian airport in Gaza.

The measures were part of an eight-point proposal submitted by CIA Director George Tenet. Tenet has presided over Israeli-Palestinian security meetings.

The next meeting meant to restore security cooperation between Israel and the PA is scheduled for Sunday. The ruling Fatah party loyal to PA Chairman Yasser Arafat and Islamic opposition groups have condemned the meetings and said they will not honor any agreement to reduce attacks against Israel. On Friday, Palestinians and Israeli forces exchanged fire in several locations around the West Bank and Gaza Strip.