DATE=04/17/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS (SHORT)

NUMBER=2-288809

BYLINE= ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Israeli troops Wednesday swept into Arab West Bank villages and neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, as part of Israel's efforts to halt Palestinian terrorism. The raids came as Secretary of State Colin Powell met with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in his besieged headquarters in the West Bank city, Ramallah.

Ross Dunn in Jerusalem has more on the story.

TEXT: Israeli troops and tanks entered a Palestinian village east of the West Bank town, Tulkarm, as Secretary of State Powell began winding up his seven-day peace mission.

Palestinian witnesses say the Israeli tanks fired at a Palestinian security force building and began house-to-house searches.

Israeli forces also entered a neighborhood in East Jerusalem, removing residents from their homes and carrying out arrests.

Israel says the military operations are needed to arrest Palestinians plotting to carry out attacks.

The actions came as Mr. Powell held talks with Mr. Arafat as part of a final round of meetings before the Secretary of State was due to depart for Egypt. (signed)

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