Israeli army expects to wrap up offensive

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

But Israel's 10-day-old offensive to root out Palestinian militants in the West Bank continues despite US pressure for a quick pullout.

Tanks and helicopters fired into a refugee camp in the northern West Bank city of Jenin continued for the fifth straight day, while soldiers massed outside two villages near Ramallah. Israeli forces still surrounded Nablus refugee camp, where sporadic fire was heard overnight.

"In Jenin, we are at the verge of ending the fighting in the refugee camp," said Brigadier General Ron Kitrey. "The resistance there was very tough, perhaps tougher than estimated."

He made clear troops will not pull out of the camp, where Palestinian militants traditionally have been strong, once the fighting ends.

"We will try to search for the wanted militants, their homes, their bases, the armouries and explosives stores. The operation will take time, as long as needed," Gen Kitrey said, adding he doesn't expect resistance once the heavy fighting ends.

Palestinians inside the Nablus camp say Israeli forces have taken up positions in eastern and western neighbourhoods of the camp. They have been exchanging fire with gunmen from homes they have taken over, according to Jamal Abdel Salaam, a Hamas leader.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell is set to arrive in the Middle East to push for a cease-fire. Israeli Cabinet minister Matan Vilnai told Israeli Radio that Israel "apparently will have to stop the offensive when Mr Powell arrives."

"It could be that we won't be able to enter new places that we planned on entering at this phase, for example cities of the Gaza Strip," said Mr Vilnai.