Israeli police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at Palestinian demonstrators protesting an Israeli security barrier in the West Bank on Monday, and police found the body of a soldier they suspect was kidnapped by Palestinians.
The protest came ahead of a summit between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and President Bush on Tuesday. The two will discuss how to move ahead with the U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan that calls for a Palestinian state by 2005.
About 200 people - 140 Palestinians and 60 foreign supporters - protested at the security fence 10 miles west of the West Bank town of Jenin on Monday.
Several tried to cut or push through the fence, and Israeli soldiers fired rubber bullets and tear gas, dispersing the crowd. One of the foreigners was wounded in the leg and taken to a hospital. There were no arrests.
The security fence is a major sticking point between Israelis and Palestinians. Israelis say the barrier, which is still being constructed, is needed to stop militants from entering Israel to carry out attacks.
Also, Israeli police on Monday found the body of a soldier who had been missing for a week. Hundreds of police, soldiers and volunteers had been searching for him, and the investigation focused on suspicions he was kidnapped and killed by Palestinians.
The body of Zionist soldier who disappeared July 21, was found buried in northern Israel, said Israeli police spokesman.
Soldier's disappearance followed the kidnapping of an Israeli taxi-driver by Palestinians on July 11. The cabbie was freed by Israeli commandos, and officials said main Palestinian militant groups were not involved.
The soldier was last seen by a fellow hitchhiker traveling in a car in the Galilee, on his way to his home in a nearby Jewish suburb of Nazareth, Israel's largest Arab city.
His gun was missing when he was found, Israel Radio reported. No public ransom demands or claims of responsibility have been made in the case.
Also, in Gaza city about 400 people protested peacefully, calling for the release of all 7,700 Palestinians in Israeli jails, many for alleged roles in terror attacks.
The prisoners have become a top rallying point for Palestinians. Israel has released about 250 prisoners and is preparing to release a reported 600 more in coming days. Palestinian officials call for a wider mass release.
**PHOTO CAPTION***
International Solidarity Movement activists try to tear down a gate, part of a separation fence built by Israel, during a demonstration against the construction of the fence near the northern West Bank village of Anin Monday, July 28, 2003. (AP Photo/Mohammed Ballas)