Israel Drops Palestinian Security Pact

Israel backed out of a security-sharing pact with the Palestinian Authority Monday after three Israelis were gunned down during the weekend.

Three settlers were killed and five others wounded in two shootings Sunday in the West Bank, CNN reported.

Israeli security sources also banned travel by Palestinians in cars on some roads in the West Bank, and roadblocks were placed around Bethlehem and Hebron.

An unidentified Israeli official said until the Palestinians take real and active steps to fight terrorism, there is nothing to talk about.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia condemned the attacks and said in Ramallah the killings were not in our national interest.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat also was conciliatory.

I urge the Israelis to understand that we need to continue talking, Erakat told CNN. I also urge the good office of (U.S.) President Bush to exert every possible effort to resume the contacts.