Two Palestinians killed in violence

Two Palestinians were killed in separate incidents today as Israel tightened its hold on the Palestinian areas.

The move, which came despite a Muslim holiday, was sparked by warnings of a terrorist attack by militants.

Israeli troops making arrests in the West Bank city of Nablus shot dead a Palestinian militant as he ran from them, military officials said.

In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian carrying a Kalashnikov assault rifle near the Kissufim crossing into Israel was shot by soldiers late last night.

His body, wearing a bullet-proof vest, was found at first light today.

The complete closure of the West Bank and Gaza will be enforced until February 14 and is meant to thwart increased attempts by Palestinians to carry out attacks, the army said.

Three Palestinians planning suicide attacks were arrested in the West Bank overnight, it said. One, a member of the Hamas militant group, had a belt containing 50lbs of explosives, nails and screws.