Palestinian militants attacked Israeli soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Patriarchs, a site holy to Jews and Muslims. Two Israelis were wounded in the attack, one seriously.

No particular group claimed responsibility for the shooting as of yet.

This violation of the cease fire between Palestinians and Israelis is certain to place more pressure on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to confront terrorists rather than negotiate with them. This is the second major attack since the militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad agreed to an 'informal' cease fire at Abbas's bequest. The cease fire was negotiated between Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at a summit on Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt on February 8.

Despite the attack, Israel has announced that it would turn over security control of the West Bank City of Tulkarm this week. Palestinian officials say that will take place Tuesday although Israeli officials refused to confirm or deny any specific date. Abbas claims that these Israeli withdrawals are crucial for the Palestinian Authority to restore law and order in these cities.

Sharon said Israel would not back down at the holy religious site in Hebron. 'Jews will continue to pray in the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron,' the Prime Minister told the Jerusalem Post. 'This attack sharpens Israel's position that for terror to stop, the Palestinians must fight with determination against the terrorists and those who send them. It was an attempt to harm freedom of religion in one of the holiest places. We defend the right of Jews to pray anywhere in the world,' the prime minister added.