Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has condemned Israel's bloody raid on the West Bank village of Beit Rima.
He was speaking during a press conference with EU diplomatic chief Mr Javier Solana.
Mr Solana, coming from a meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, refused to comment other than to say he would probably return to Gaza City "tomorrow or the day after."
Mr Solana has been shuttling between Israel and Arab countries to calm the explosive situation following the start of an Israeli siege of the West Bank last Thursday. The offensive was triggered by the assassination of Israeli tourism minister Mr Rehavam Ze’evi by Palestinian militants.
He also avoided commenting on allegations the Palestinians had given him information that Israel had arrested Mr Zeevi's killers a few days ago and was using the hunt as a pretext to continue its offensive.
Israeli radio reported that troops had arrested two alleged members of the hit squad which assassinated the cabinet minister last week during the invasion of Beit Rima on Wednesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon's spokesman said six Palestinians were killed, though other reports spoke of up to 10, and 11 arrested.
Speaking later at the same press conference, Palestinian cooperation minister Mr Nabil Shaath also accused Israel of mounting its raid on Beit Rima knowing it had already captured Zeevi's assassins.
"It's a cover-up for arresting these two (suspects) three days ago," Mr Shaath said. "This is a scandal of major proportions."
AFP