Mine caused blast, Israeli probe finds

An Israeli investigation into what caused an explosion on a Gaza beach that killed eight Palestinians will conclude that the blast was most likely caused by a mine planted by Palestinian militants and not an Israeli shell, military officials said today.

The Palestinians had blamed an Israeli shell for the killing of the civilians in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, and had recognized as a hero a Palestinian girl whose image was broadcast around the world crying over her father's body at the scene.

While Israel had originally left open the possibility that it was responsible and expressed sorrow for the deaths, senior officials had suggested that Palestinian militants could have planted explosives on the beach, and the army opened an investigation.

The military committee looking into the blast is expected to issue its findings later today.

The blast occurred on the outskirts of Beit Lahia, not far from where Palestinian militants frequently fire rockets toward Israel. Israel often shoots artillery in the area to prevent the rocket launchings.

Taipei, Taiwan

Recall of president to be considered

Taiwanese lawmakers agreed in a special session today to begin holding hearings on whether to recall President Chen Shui-bian, who's been beset by corruption allegations linked to his family.

The legislature's move — the start of a long, complex process — further deepened the political crisis for the Taiwanese leader in one of Asia's youngest democracies. This was the first time the Taiwanese have taken formal steps toward a possible recall of their leader.

Chen has not been personally implicated in any wrongdoing, but his relatives are accused of using his post for personal gain.

Tehran, Iran

Police beat people at rally for women

Iranian police with batons and shields beat women's-rights demonstrators in a downtown Tehran square Monday, injuring one protester and detaining 20.

The injured woman was taken to a hospital with wounds to her face and head. Her identity and further details were not available.

The protest by about 200 women was organized by a previously unknown group calling itself the Labor and Communist Party. An announcement of the protest demanded equal rights for women and the nullification of a law allowing Iranian men to have four wives.

Throughout most of the confrontation, female officers beat female protesters and male police beat male protesters there to support the women. Male police generally are not permitted to touch female suspects.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Convicted killer beheaded in public

Saudi Arabia beheaded a man for murder Monday, the kingdom's second execution this year, the Interior Ministry said.

Musfir bin Saad bin Abdullah al Qahtani was found guilty of shooting and killing two Saudi men after a dispute, the ministry said. He was executed in the capital, Riyadh.

Saudi beheadings are carried out with a sword in public to serve as a deterrent. The kingdom beheaded 83 people in 2005 and 35 people in 2004.

Also

Iran nuclear effort: China and Russia are holding back from a united message with Western powers to insist that Tehran halt uranium enrichment, a stance that could encourage Iranian defiance, diplomats said Monday. Speaking outside an International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in Vienna, the diplomats said China was opposed to signing a joint statement and Russia was leaning against participating.

Compiled from The Associated Press and Reuters