AP

 The death toll is rising. Palestinian officials and medical sources report at least 14 Palestinians killed in Nablus and nearby refugee camps. Other casualties are reported in Jenin and Hebron.

 In Hebron, Palestinians say Israeli helicopter gunships attacked the car of a suspected Islamic Jihad militant, injuring at least five passers-by while the suspect escaped unhurt.

 A stand-off continues in Bethlehem where Israeli forces surround Palestinian gunmen and others holed up in the Church of the Nativity since Tuesday. More explosions and gunfire have been heard in Bethlehem. There is no word about exactly where, or if there were any casualties or damage.

 Israeli forces are not allowing journalists to enter Bethlehem or other towns they invaded in the week-long offensive to crush Palestinian militants.

 A top Palestinian official, Saeb Erekat, said Thursday that more than 80 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its operation last Friday. The number could not be confirmed independently.

 Israel says it has arrested 1,100 Palestinians in its sweep of West Bank towns (including Ramallah, Qalqiliya, Jenin, Tulkarm, Bethlehem and Nablus.)
 
 

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. 

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