GAZA CITY (AFP) — Efforts to free an Israeli soldier whose abduction has triggered a major Middle East crisis have hit an impasse, Palestinian officials warned Saturday after Israel rejected new demands.

ABASSAN, Gaza Strip — In this unassuming farming village east of Khan Younis, Palestinian fighters stood in the olive orchard Saturday hoping for a shot at the Israeli armour digging in 300 metres away.

BEIRUT — This time there are no angry protests in Arab streets or recalls of diplomats — only a low-key bid to mediate between Israelis and Palestinians.