51.   Authority officials and Israel say the bombings were designed to derail the Palestinian peace process and undermine the autonomy government headed by Yasser Arafat.

52.   Earlier a maritime authority official identified the frigate as the Stirling.

53.   It also said sexual attacks had been carried out at the centre, but Northumberland local authority officials said staff found guilty of sexual assault had been sacked.

54.   Palestinian self-rule authority officials said the arrests were spurred by a shooting attack on a patrol in the Gaza Strip.

55.   Several authority officials opposed having television cameras in council sessions and no decision was taken.

56.   Talks are underway between HAMAS and authority officials to try to ease tensions.