Israeli offensive continues despite Powell's arrival

Mr Powell is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today before travelling to Ramallah for a meeting with the besieged Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

The Israeli military has invaded another Palestinian village in the West Bank as US Secretary of State Colin Powell arrives in the region for talks with politicians from both sides.

Israeli soldiers and tanks entered Kalil, near Nablus, this morning, arresting an unknown number of Palestinians before withdrawing again. In a statement, Israel said its "anti-terror" offensive in Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Dura and Dahariya is continuing, despite repeated calls from the US for Israel to withdraw "without delay".