Nine Palestinians were killed today as Israeli tanks and helicopter gunships pummelled the West Bank city of Hebron.

Israel has admitted that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in Jenin during fighting in the West Bank city.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says the military offensive in the West Bank will continue until Palestinian militias have been crushed.

An Israeli army official says combat operations are wrapping up in Jenin, where the army has met fierce resistance in recent days.