Israeli Troops Push Into Jenin, Split Gaza In Two

In Jenin, heavy shooting broke out between Israeli occupation troops and Palestinian resistance fighters early Friday after a convoy of military tanks and jeeps moved into the northern West Bank town, Palestinian security sources told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

At least 15 Israeli tanks and jeeps moved into the town and adjacent refugee camp on various sides, with troops firing flares as they went, they said.

At dawn, the army imposed a curfew as it pressed on with its house-to-house searches which resulted in at least two arrests.

Israeli military sources confirmed an incursion was underway in the town but would not give further details.

A similar, but smaller incursion was conducted in Jenin early Thursday, with Israeli troops and Palestinian activists engaging in a heavy gun battle.

In Gaza, the Israeli army – undoing one of the confidence-building measures adopted under a U.S.-backed peace roadmap – re-imposed a roadblock on the main highway through the Strip Friday morning, cutting the territory in two.

Israel had only lifted the roadblock near the Qatif block of Jewish settlements south of Gaza City in late July when a three-month conditioned truce declared by the main Palestinian resistance groups on June 29 remained in force.