Israeli army has launched a new incursion into Palestinian-ruled areas of the divided West Bank city of Hebron.
Witnesses say Israeli tanks entered from several directions early Monday. Palestinian sources say at least seven Palestinians have been killed and several others wounded.
Israeli officials say the incursion is not aimed at the Palestinian Authority, but at what they call the “terrorist structure” in the town. They say it was a response to a deadly Palestinian attack Saturday on a Jewish settlement. Palestinian gunmen killed four people, including a five-year-old girl, at the Adora settlement.
The military operation in Hebron comes after Israel and the Palestinians agreed Sunday to a U.S. plan to end the Israeli siege of Yasser Arafat’s Ramallah headquarters.
President Bush praised the move, saying the development is a positive sign that both sides are accepting their responsibilities to help end the conflict. Mr. Bush says all parties must commit to fighting terror and promoting peace.
The plan calls for six Palestinian prisoners wanted by Israel to be held in a Palestinian prison, with their confinement monitored by U.S. and British wardens.
Palestinian officials say U.S. and British officials are to arrive in the region Monday to begin discussions on how to implement the plan.
There was no breakthrough Sunday in Israeli-Palestinian talks aimed at resolving a lengthy standoff in Bethlehem, at the Church of the Nativity. About 200 Palestinians, including 30 gunmen wanted by Israel, have taken refuge in the church, which has been surrounded by Israeli forces for nearly a month. (voa)
