Israeli forces imposed a curfew on downtown Nablus and clashed with Fatah fighters as the Israeli activities moved Thursday from Gaza Strip to the West Bank. The Nablus operation, which Palestinian witnesses said was the largest in several months, started late Wednesday.
Five Israeli soldiers were injured by bombs set off by Fatah fighters overnight in the old city. One of the Israelis was seriously wounded, Israel Radio reported. Some 30 Palestinians were taken by the Israeli forces, Wafa news agency said.
More than 60 Israeli armored vehicles pushed into the city from all directions shortly after midnight.
The military onslaught prompted the education directorate in the city to suspend high school examinations, and urged students to proceed to safer centers to take the exam.
According to eyewitnesses in the city, the Israeli forces occupied a number of Palestinian homes and turned them into temporary barracks.
