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. -News for Tue. 02 April & Wed. 03 April 2002


Israel Widens West Bank Assault

VOA News
3 Apr 2002 14:48 UTC
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Israeli tanks and troops have taken over two more Palestinian towns in the West Bank while scores of Palestinian gunmen remain besieged in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity.

 Israeli forces expanded their campaign early Wednesday, pushing into the towns of Jenin and Salfit, and surrounding the Jenin refugee camp.
 
 

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Gunbattles in Jenin left at least four Palestinians dead. Israel says Jenin is a hotbed of Palestinian militants. There were also exchanges of fire in Salfit but neither side reported casualties.

 In Bethlehem, Israeli forces surround the Church of the Nativity, which is one of Christianity's holiest shrines, where scores of Palestinian gunmen took refuge after battles Tuesday.

 Between 200 and 400 people have taken shelter in the church, according to various accounts, including armed men and civilians.

 Both sides say they have ordered their men not to shoot. Israeli officials accuse Palestinian fighters of cynically exploiting churches and holy sites.

 At least seven Palestinians were killed in earlier fighting in Bethlehem. Israeli forces have re-occupied seven West Bank towns since Friday, despite mounting international calls for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to pull out his troops. Israel says its aim is to root out terrorists and prevent attacks against Israelis.
 
 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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