1.   Each side in the conflict, which erupted a year ago, has been provoking the other in recent weeks with hostage taking, intermittent fighting and targeted killings.

2.   In meetings with both sides Tuesday, Zinni asked Israel to refrain from targeted killings of suspected militants and from striking Palestinian targets.

3.   Israeli officials, meanwhile, defended their use of targeted killings in the face of mounting criticism from the United States and other countries.

4.   Israel says it has to conduct such targeted killings to protect its people.

5.   Palestinians were still bristling over the Israeli targeted killing Friday of suspected terrorist mastermind Mahmoud Abu Hanoud and two associates.

6.   Prime Minister Ariel Sharon convened cabinet ministers for several hours Monday to discuss how Israel could better explain to the world its policy of targeted killings.

7.   Some Israelis, too, are put off by the targeted killings, for moral and practical reasons.

8.   Some officials also described the targeted killings as ultimately a way to save not only Israelis from death but also Palestinians.

9.   While there has been little debate in Israel about ethical aspects of the targeted killings, some people have begun questioning their wisdom.

10.   Palestinian Information Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo said the targeted killings meant Israel was walking away from the truce.