Israeli Troops Storm West Bank

It also alleged that the offensive was aimed at netting Fatah activists, who planned attacks on Israeli interests.

The raid saw the arrest of dozens of Palestinian civilians, journalist Soheil Khalaf, the correspondent of Al-Quds daily, and cameraman Sami Al-Asi.

Nablus has been under a paralyzing Israeli curfew, adding to the already deplorable economic conditions of its residents.

Settler Killed

The sweep came after a Jewish settler was gunned down and another wounded by a Palestinian fighter, who infiltrated at dawn Saturday into the Jewish settlement of Avnei Hefetz, north of the West Bank.

The man, whose identity is not known yet, penetrated the wall circling the settlement and opened fire at a settler’s house.

Israeli troops raced to the scene and killed the man after a fierce fire exchange. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least 70 Palestinians were injured when Israeli forces stormed anew Al-Aqsa mosque compound and clashed with worshippers Friday, April 2.

Stun bombs and tear gas canisters were fired inside the mosque, in one of the most serious incidents to break out at the site in recent months.

Also Friday, three Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

The deaths brought to 3,888 the number of people killed since the beginning of the Intifada at the end of September 2000, including 2,922 Palestinians and 897 Israelis, according to an AFP tally.