MOSCOW, June 16 (RIA Novosti) - Palestinian militants failed in an attempt to assassinate former U.S. president Jimmy Carter during his visit to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported.
The paper said that militants with links to al-Qaida placed two roadside bombs at the Erez Israeli-Gaza crossing. The bombs were to be detonated as Carter was leaving the enclave.
However, according to Haaretz's source, Hamas discovered and safely disposed of the bombs.
Hamas authorities have denied reports of an attempted assassination, saying that its forces were conducting routine activities in the area.
Carter was in Gaza on Tuesday to meet with leaders of the ruling Hamas movement in an effort to persuade them to recognize the state of Israel.
