GAZA Ñ In the West Bank city of Nablus, a Hamas leader was assassinated in an Israeli attack. Salah Darawza, 38, was struck by four anti-tank missiles as he was driving near his home.

Israeli military sources said Darawza directed suicide bombers to attack Israeli cities. Palestinian sources said Darawza was a political figure in the Islamic movement.

Jewish settlers protesting Palestinian shooting attacks were struck by snipers.

At least two settlers were injured during a protest on Wednesday near the Gush Katif bloc of settlements. The Israeli army, which had been protecting the settlers, returned Palestinian fire and spirited the settlers to safety.

Israeli troops responded by destroying a nearby Palestinian Authority police position from where the fire against the settlers was directed.

On late Wednesday, the United States sponsored a meeting of Israeli and PA security officials. Again, the meeting was marred by loud arguments and termed a failure. Israeli and PA sources said the United States plans to change the format of the security meetings.

The sources said two members of the Fatah movement alleged to have been involved in attacks against Israel were captured near the West Bank city of Kalkilya.

In Gaza, the PA issued orders against attacks on Israel from Palestinian territory. The PA also called on a new effort to end the fighting between PA forces and dissident gunmen.

Palestinian sources said a panel has been established to examine the clashes this week between Hamas and the PA. The group will include Hamas and members of the ruling Fatah movement.

On Thursday, thousands of Hamas members and their supporters marched in Nablus during Darawza's funeral and called for Palestinian attacks against Israel. In the Gaza Strip, Palestinian gunmen fired toward several Israeli military positions and Jewish settlements in the area. There were no reports of injuries.

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