U.S. officials say an international Middle East peace conference planned for June could be held in Europe at the foreign ministers' level. 

Secretary of State Colin Powell announced the idea on Thursday after meeting with top officials from Russia, the European Union and the United Nations. Mr. Powell says the aim is to find a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would lead to creation of a Palestinian state. 

Palestinians and Israelis have welcomed the conference proposal, but say they need to know more before agreeing to attend. The issue will be discussed when President Bush meets with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the White House Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, U.S. officials are trying to lower expectations, saying now the June meeting is not likely produce a peace accord. They say many issues must still be resolved before the meeting, including a precise agenda and who will attend. 

Earlier Friday, two Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed in gunbattles during a brief Israeli incursion into Nablus. The Israelis say they were going after people suspected of planning to carry out a bombing in Israel in the next few days. 

The Israeli army says it took four prisoners and destroyed two bomb-making laboratories and a car loaded with weapons before withdrawing. 

Meanwhile, Palestinians say talks to end the stand-off at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem have collapsed. 

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