Israeli tanks push further into West Bank

Israeli tanks rolled into the West Bank town of Qalqiliya early today, taking up positions and imposing a curfew in the latest phase of a widespread military operation meant to prevent suicide bombings in Israel.

About 60 tanks moved into the city under the cover of darkness, Palestinian officials said.

Although a number of tanks later pulled out, at least 20 remained at several positions throughout the city at daybreak.

Troops did not initially make any arrests of suspected militants and it was not clear if they intended to stay for long.

The Israeli army began a new, extensive operation in the West Bank last week after the Israeli Cabinet - in reaction to a suicide bombing in Jerusalem that killed 19 Israelis - decided that troops would seize and hold Palestinian areas until the Palestinian attacks ceased.

Israel has not indicated how long the troops will remain in the areas.

Israeli troops continued to occupy several parts of the West Bank today, including the cities of Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarem, Bethlehem and areas around Ramallah.

Several villages around the cities have also been occupied as the army tries to prevent militants from carrying out suicide bombings.