Around the Clock Update

News Update from 12:30 PM GMT to 5:45 PM GMT:

Massacres in Jenin and Nablus: “It’s a real war”, said one of the Palestinian fighters in Jenin, one of many who have successfully prevented an easy invasion of the city and its refugee camp. However, Israel’s response to the tough resistance was reflected in random bombing and shelling that have resulted in the death of many. The city of Nablus and its refugee camps, mainly Askar, have also witnessed fierce fighting. 24 Palestinians have been confirmed dead in today’s attack. The number however is expected to increase since means of communications with the camps are limited.

There are reports of two bombings executed by a Palestinian woman fighter in Jenin and another one in its refugee camp. Palestinian sources talks about many casualties among the Israeli soldiers. Only two soldiers have been confirmed dead. Dozens of the Palestinian wounded in the refugee camps remain with little or no medical attention. More military vehicles are moving toward these areas. Meanwhile, Israeli US-made Apache helicopters have continued their shelling of Palestinian homes.

Reports in Nablus indicate that Israeli soldiers are setting fire in many homes, factories and commercial buildings. Similar to their action in Ramallah, the Israeli army (according to eyewitnesses) have looted many shops in the business district and inflicted great damage on the city, which once was perceived as the capital of Palestinian industry.

Saeb Erekat describes Zinni-Arafat meeting in Ramallah: "The meeting concentrated on the necessity to move toward implementation of the Tenet plan. President Arafat informed General Zinni of our acceptance of the political outline of President Bush, namely implementation of Security Council resolution 1-4-0-2, implementation of Mitchell [confidence building measures], stopping [Jewish] settlements, and meaningful negotiations that would lead to ending the Israeli occupation and to establish a Palestinian state," Erekat said.

Bethlehem latest: A stand-off continues in Bethlehem where Israeli forces surround Palestinians holed up in the Church of the Nativity since Tuesday. More explosions and gunfire have been heard in Bethlehem. There is no word about exactly where, or if there were any casualties or damage. Israeli forces are not allowing journalists to enter the city.