DATE=4/07/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-288414

BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN

DATELINE= JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

INTRO: Israel's military offensive in the West Bank continues despite U-S and international pressure to end it. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told U-S President George Bush he would speed up the campaign, known as Defensive Shield, but gave no date for its completion. Correspondent Laurie Kassman reports from Jerusalem.

TEXT: Israeli troops and Palestinian militants are battling for a fifth day in and around Jenin and Nablus. There is little sign that Israel's military is easing up on its offensive across the West Bank.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has promised U-S President George Bush he will speed up the operation but gives no time limit for the military campaign to finish. A statement released after a telephone conversation between the two leaders Saturday night says Mr. Sharon acknowledges the American desire to see the action end quickly.

U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell is due in Israel at the end of the coming week to add his political weight to ceasefire efforts. Palestinian officials have called on him to come sooner.

The European Union's envoy in Israel has called on the government to issue clear orders to respect the safe passage of ambulances and medics trying to help the injured and evacuate the dead. Palestinian rescue teams complain that Israel's military is preventing them from reaching those in need. (Signed)

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