Israel radio reported that the Palestinian prime minister, Mahmoud Abbas, could also visit the White House this month, but Palestinian officials did not immediately comment on the report.

In the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian talks, the Palestinian security chief, Muhammad Dahlan, demanded the release of more than 5,000 prisoners held by Israel, an issue that has become a growing source of tension in recent days.

Mr. Dahlan met Thursday night with Shaul Mofaz, the Israeli defense minister, at the crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

As Mr. Dahlan's motorcade headed home to nearby Gaza City, his bodyguards shot and injured a Palestinian man standing along the road, Palestinians said. The man was a member of Hamas, which today called for the arrest of those involved in the shooting.

The region has been mostly calm since Palestinian factions declared a truce on June 29. However, many Palestinians have been critical of Mr. Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, saying he has received too little from the current peace initiative, which was begun more than a month ago.

Several thousand Palestinian demonstrators marched through the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza today to demand the release of the prisoners.

Israel has freed about 300 prisoners in recent weeks, and says it is prepared to free around 300 more. But Mr. Sharon has given no indication that he is prepared for larger releases at this time.

Israel, which has been at odds with several European countries over how to proceed with peace efforts and has criticized European leaders who have maintained contact with Mr. Arafat, is seeking to rebuild those relations, said Raanan Gissin, the spokesman for Mr. Sharon.

"We believe the Europeans can play a constructive role by putting pressure on Arafat and by encouraging Abu Mazen to take concrete steps to stop violence," Mr. Gissin said. 

Mr. Sharon will hold talks in Britain with Prime Minister Tony Blair before going to Norway on Wednesday.

His visit to the United States, originally planned for September, has been moved up two months at the request of the Americans, Israeli officials said.

In recent days, the United States has announced two aid packages for the Palestinians, totaling $50 million, which will pay for the repair of roads, buildings and power and water systems damaged in the fighting. The Americans will give details of a $15 million "quick aid" package for the Gaza Strip on Monday in the town of Beit Hanun, which was badly damaged during a two-month Israeli occupation of the area.