RAMALLAH, Jan. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Friday rejected Israel's decision to freeze all official contacts with the Palestinians following an overnight bomb attack that killed six Israelis.

    "The best way to end violence is not to freeze talks but to resume them," Erekat told reporters.

    He said Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's bureau called him on Friday afternoon, telling him they were suspending all contacts with the Palestinian side.

    Sharon's spokesman Assaf Shariv announced the decision to the public later in the day.

    "Israel informed international leaders today that there will be no meetings with (newly-elected Palestinian leader Mahmoud) Abbasuntil he makes a real effort to stop the terror," Shariv said.

    Three Palestinian militants on Thursday night infiltrated into the Israeli side of the Karni border crossing at the entrance to northeastern Gaza Strip and opened fire.

    At least six Israeli civilian workers were killed by the gunmen while the assailants died in a gunbattle with Israeli security guards.

    Abbas, due to be sworn in as new PNA chairman on Saturday,condemned the attack on Friday.

    Hopes have been high that following the election of Abbas to replace Yasser Arafat, Israel and the Palestinians would be able to return to the negotiation table after more than four years of conflict.

    The international community has unanimously denounced the attackand called on both sides to keep restraint.

    UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Friday said he hoped the Gaza attack would not undermine hopes for a revival of the Middle East peace process. Enditem