Israel withdraws from West Bank towns

Israeli tanks pulled out of three Palestinian towns in the West Bank early today, just hours after US envoy Anthony Zinni arrived in the Middle East in an attempt to broker a ceasefire.

In a statement, the Israeli military said it withdrew from Ramallah, Tulkarem and Qalqilya in the West Bank and a hill opposite the Bourej refugee camp in Gaza City.

The statement said Israeli forces remained inside Bethlehem, but no reason was given.

Mr Zinni met Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon last night and is due to meet Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat tomorrow.