Israeli tanks open fire in Palestinian city

Israeli tanks have entered the Palestinian city of Jenin in the West Bank and opened fire in an attempt to destroy the main police station.

About 10 tanks rumbled into the city from an Israeli base just outside of Jenin.

They stopped in front of several key Palestinian buildings on or near the city's main square.

The tanks concentrated their fire on the police headquarters, while bulldozers were also called in to help destroy the building.

Haider Irshad, the vice governor of Jenin, said the tanks moved in front of the governor's office and general headquarters for the security services, but did not appear to be firing.

Witnesses say Palestinian gunmen fired at the Israeli tanks.

Haider Irshad added that Israeli troops did not leave their tanks during the operation, and no Israeli ground troops were seen in the city.

Israeli helicopters flew above the city during the operation, but did not appear to fire.

There is no immediate word on casualties.

West Bank Palestinian leader Hussein al-Sheikh was quoted by Israel army radio as saying that the Israeli incursion was a terrorist operation, and no Israeli restaurant or public place would be safe from attack now.