Israeli offensive continues as Powell arrives

Israeli forces entered another West Bank village overnight as US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell arrived for crucial talks…

Israeli forces entered another West Bank village overnight as US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell arrived for crucial talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

Israeli forces invaded Kalil, near Nablus, making arrests before leaving, the military said. The statement said "activities in Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Dura and Dahariyah, south of Hebron, continue".

In Gaza, an armed Palestinian crossed into Israel early today and opened fire, wounding four Israelis, one seriously, before he was shot dead.

Fighting in the Jenin refugee camp ended yesterday with the surrender of dozens of Palestinian gunmen, including several leaders of militant groups.

READ MORE

The Israeli military estimated the death toll was over 100. Palestinians spoke of massacres and tolls as high as 500. An Israeli military spokesman said Palestinian claims that soldiers had buried bodies in mass graves was "propaganda".

Although the fighting in Jenin appeared to be over, Israel's occupation of the camp and the town was not, as Israel continued to defy US and world pressure to pull out.

Israeli Prime Minister Mr Sharon said his army would continue its operations in the towns still under Israeli control. The Israeli army said soldiers needed time to complete searches for weapons and explosives.

Mr Powell meet Mr Sharon at his headquarters today and is to meet Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat tomorrow.

Mr Powell and President Bush have called repeatedly on Israel to end its offensive in the West Bank, which began March 29th after a series of deadly Palestinian suicide bomb attacks.

Palestinian officials said they would not enter into ceasefire talks until Israel pulled out of all Palestinian-controlled territory. That would include Mr Arafat's office in Ramallah, one of the first targets of the Israeli offensive.

AP