JERUSALEM, July 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Knesset (parliament) plenum on Wednesday approved amendments to the so-called "Intifada Law," which reduce to a minimum the ability of Palestinians to sue for damages incurred during the intifada (Palestinian uprising).

    The lawmakers approved the government-proposed amendments with 54 votes in favor, 15 against and one abstention.

    Israeli defense and justice ministries proposed the amendments after the court system was flooded by thousands of Palestinian damage suits against the state of Israel.

    The amendments, which will be enacted retroactively from September 2000 when the intifada started, effectively block Palestinians from submitting damage claims against the state of Israel.

    According to the amendments, Palestinians are only able to sue for damages in two types of cases: those in which an Israel Defense Forces soldier was convicted of traffic-related charges, and those

    in which a Palestinian was caused physical harm while being held inmilitary detention.

    Palestinians would also be permitted to appeal courts' rejections of compensation claims before a special committee. Enditem