The Israeli army has killed four Palestinians so far today as the violence in the Middle East spirals closer to all-out war. Three gunmen were killed in fighting in the West Bank after 80 tanks and armoured vehicles surrounded refugee camps in Tulkarem and Nur Shams.

Israeli tanks, backed by helicopters, took control of the West Bank town of Tulkarem before dawn today, imposed a curfew and arrested dozens of suspected militants, the local governor said.

Israel has walked out of peace talks after two Israelis were killed in the West Bank, apparently by Palestinian gunmen.