He had earned that trust as an honest negotiator and also for his role in helping to train Palestinian security and intelligence officers.

Rand is also pressing for an overhaul of Palestinian security.

Israel Radio later reported that senior Israeli and Palestinian security officials were meeting to coordinate their investigations.

Those called the 'Palestinian security services' are acting like the new oppressors and bringing the prisons back into use.

At least seven Palestinians were killed and about 20 wounded in gun battles, Palestinian security and hospital officials said.

Israel must instead find convincing ways to assure Palestinian security from settler violence within the terms of the framework agreement signed last September.

"It is, in fact, directly pointed at Palestinian security regarding the strip and at the accord agreed upon."

Senior Israeli and Palestinian security officials met this morning and agreed to restrain the fighting.

A few older fighters, wearing dark green uniforms indicating membership in the loosely controlled Palestinian security services, carried guns.

The demonstrators asserted that Palestinian security could not protect the prisoners in the event of an Israeli raid.