15 attacks reported in Gaza; Barak vows compromise on refugee return

TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, badly trailing his Likud challenger, is pledging to seek a compromise on the Palestinian demand for millions of refugees to return to their homes in what is now the Jewish state.

Meanwhile, 15 attacks were reported in Gaza over the weekend. This included an infiltration attempt and an attempted bombing.

One Palestinian guerrilla was killed in the ensuing clash. The Israeli military has blockaded Palestinian towns and cities in the West Bank to prevent further attacks.

Barak has targeted the Arab minority and Russian Jewish immigrants in his election campaign. On Saturday, Barak telephoned Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Barak told an Arab satellite station in Abu Dhabi that he would find a compromise for those Arabs who fled or were driven from their homes during Israel's war of independence.

"The right of return of the 1948 refugees is not acceptable to Israelis," Barak said. "But, if I am elected, I will try to reach a compromise solution with the Palestinians."

Earlier, Barak said he would not compromise on the demand for refugee return.