Deaths throw dampener over accord

Continuing violence raises doubts over peace prospects in Middle East

Prospects for easing tensions between Israel and Palestine following a security summit of the two sides with Jordan, Egypt, and the United States have been dampened by settlers' attacks in the occupied West Bank and remarks by Israeli officials.

Four people died and more than 100 were injured in renewed violence after the five parties in Jordan said they were ready immediately to work to end unilateral measures for three to six months, something some Palestinian factions oppose.

In a joint communique of the Aqaba summit on Sunday, the Israeli and Palestinian sides affirmed their commitment to "all previous agreements between them", and the necessity of committing to de-escalation on the ground to prevent further violence.