Israeli forces have imposed since Monday night a complete closure of the occupied territories following warnings of an imminent attack by Palestinian groups. Meanwhile, in two separate incidents, Israeli troops killed two Palestinians.
In Nablus, Israeli soldiers shot dead a Fatah activist trying to flee capture. The occupation troops arrested another six Tanzim members in the raid.
In the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, Israeli troops killed a Palestinian fighter as he neared the security fence along the Israeli border near the Kissufim crossing point.
Israel imposed the closure late Monday for the remainder of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday meaning thousands of Palestinians will be unable to enter Israel to work.
The five-day holiday is due to end on Friday.
Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz, who issued the order, said it was a "necessary step" in the light of the severe warnings of large-scale attacks to be carried out within Israel over the next few days.
Israel's Army Radio, calling the step "an unusual decision, extraordinary in its severity," said the measure was imposed after the General Staff received active warnings of 48 serious impending attacks, among them major strikes against the centers of main cities in Israel. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
