The Israeli army stormed the northern West Bank town of Jenin today, capturing two Hamas leaders, as violence flared across the Palestinian territories.
As its plan for a withdrawal from reoccupied areas stalled, Israel continued its sweep for suspected militants in the West Bank and stepped up its operations in the Gaza Strip.
In the Jenin refugee camp, Israeli units arrested one of the most wanted leaders of the Islamic militant organisation Hamas, Jamal Abu al-Hayja.
Another senior official of the Islamic militant group, Islam Jarrar, was also arrested, Palestinian security sources said.
At least two other people were rounded up in the operation in clashes around the densely-populated area which saw some of the worst fighting in the 23-month-old intifada last April.
An army spokesman said an Israeli officer was moderately injured when Palestinian gunmen opened fire during the Jenin operation.
AFP