Palestinians kill 4, US blocks Arab resolution

‘‘Palestinian terror has zeroed on its preferred target — innocent civilians,’’ David Baker, an official at Prime Minister Sharon’s office. said. ‘‘Itshows that the Palestinian Authority is hooked on terror.’’

Abu Dhabi Television said it had received a claim of responsibility from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, that has links with Palestinian President Arafat’s Fatah movement. Palestinian officials have said they were close to winning a truce from all militant factions but it was sabotaged by Tuesday’s air missile strike.

The incident was raised again at the United Nations, with Arab nations pressing the Security Council to pass a resolution demanding the ‘‘withdrawal of the Israeli occupying forces from Palestinian cities’’ and an end to ‘‘acts of terror’’.

US Ambassador John Negroponte said that for any resolution to go forward, the US — which has a veto in the Council — would want it to include an explicit condemnation of terrorism, condemnation by name of Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, the Islamic Jehad and the Islamic group Hamas. (Reuters)

AP adds: Arafat expressed shock that the US intended to block a proposed UN resolution on West Asia: ‘‘I am sorry to say… (the Americans) are going to use the veto against any statement condemning Israeli crimes.’’