Fighting spreads as death toll climbs in Middle East

Fighting spread today through the alleys of densely populated West Bank refugee camps, where Palestinian militants were reportedly handing out explosives-packed belts to people willing to strap them on and challenge Israeli soldiers.

Israeli forces continued to surround Balata refugee camp in Nablus, and, at a camp in Jenin, another northern West Bank city, residents said Israeli helicopter gunships targeting anything that moved were keeping people inside.