Next »

Seven wounded as Israel seals off Jenin


Israeli tanks have surrounded the West Bank town of Jenin, sparking a gun battle that left seven Palestinians injured.

Palestinian witnesses said more than 20 tanks took up positions outside Jenin and an adjacent refugee camp, advancing through unoccupied Palestinian territory to the first row of buildings.

Dozens of gunmen fired at the Israelis, who responded with gunfire and tank shells. The incursion marked the fourth time in nearly a year of fighting that Israeli forces have invaded Palestinian territory and stayed for several hours.

Israel said it sealed off Jenin this morning because it has been the staging ground for dozens of attacks by Palestinian militants.

The move, however, could scupper the possibility of peace talks between Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

The pair are due to meet tonight if a dispute over a venue is resolved in time.

However, expectations of a positive outcome are low because earlier truce agreements, including one brokered by former US Senator George Mitchell, have failed to halt the aggression.


Next »
Click to stay connected with
more stories like this:
Sign up here to receive news by emailSign up here to receive news by email.
- once per day, no spam.

Most Read in World»