Analysis: Palestinian security nerve centre hit

Israeli forces are in control of the Palestinians' West Bank security base just outside Ramallah, after heavy fighting which virtually destroyed the large compound.

Israel said it was trying to get 50 wanted men who had taken refuge inside the complex.

But the attack could have far-reaching implications. The Preventive Security Headquarters was the nerve centre of the Palestinian security apparatus, key to co-ordination with Israel and contacts with the United States.

Senior Israeli security sources say the militants were handed over to stop the fierce bombardment of the compound

This was the organisation responsible for rounding up militants behind anti-Israeli attacks.

Its head, Jibril Rajoub, was the Palestinian point man for security co-ordination with the Israelis.

The complex had a prison for those arrested in crackdowns by Mr Rajoub's forces - it seems these were among the wanted men Israel was seeking, and eventually apprehended.