Israeli troops have entered Hebron, the one major Palestinian town Israel has not occupied during its West Bank offensive. Witnesses say troops appear to be searching for suspects, not launching a full-scale invasion. Meanwhile, the Palestinian militant group Hamas is calling on children not to attack Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. 

In a statement, Hamas says the loss of too many children in such attacks would hurt the future of the Palestinian people. 

In Gaza Wednesday, Israeli soldiers killed three armed Palestinian boys who were trying to enter a Jewish settlement. The 13- and 14-year-old classmates left behind notes indicating they knew their action would be fatal. 

In Bethlehem Wednesday, shooting broke out at the Church of the Nativity as Israeli and Palestinian officials began more talks aimed at ending the stand-off at the Christian shrine. 

A Palestinian man wounded during the exchange later died in a hospital. A second Palestinian and one Israeli soldier also were wounded. The talks ended with no resolution to the stand-off. 

Witnesses say that after the shooting, Israeli soldiers briefly detained at least three journalists at the scene. 

Earlier, another Palestinian man wounded in the church by Israeli army snipers was evacuated to a hospital. Two Palestinian policeman who said they were sick left the church and surrendered to Israeli forces. 

About 200 people, including gunmen and church workers, have been under siege in the Bethlehem shrine since April second. Israel says the gunmen must either surrender and stand trial in Israel or go into exile outside the territories. Palestinians reject that and instead suggest the wanted men be escorted to the Gaza Strip. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version