Israeli Army Operation in Nablus Continues

Israeli army operation in Nablus continues

RAMALLAH, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) — Israeli troops on Monday continued operation in the West Bank city of Nablus, boosting military presence for the second day, Palestinian sources said.

The operation, which intensified around the old city of Nablus, is the largest in years and Israeli sources expected it will last for several days, adding the aim was to strike Palestinian militants who were reinforcing military capabilities.

The Israeli army imposed curfew on the city and forced residents to stay at home.

No people were reportedly killed but two Israeli soldiers were wounded on Sunday along with some Palestinians in clashes.

The Israeli sources said up to 30 people were arrested including militants wanted for their involvement in attacks against the Jewish state.

However, Palestinian security sources said the given Israeli number was inaccurate.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian leadership and the Hamas-led caretaker government have condemned the Israeli Operation Hot Winter against Nablus and considered it a bid to obstruct power- sharing pact between Hamas and Fatah.

In the Gaza Strip, militants launched home-made rockets into southern Israel in response to the Israeli operation in Nablus, which were claimed responsibility by the military wings of the Islamic Jihad (Holy War) and Fatah movement.

(c) 2007 Xinhua News Agency – CEIS. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.