Israel steps up Palestinian arrests

More than 4,000 Palestinians have been detained during Israel's offensive in the West Bank, the army says.

The figure - which has doubled in the past 24 hours - reflects the growing pace of the military campaign, correspondents say.

The mission is still on... I'm looking forward to the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Sharon and with Chairman Arafat

US Secretary of State Colin Powell arrives in Jerusalem later on Thursday to try to secure a ceasefire and implement a step-by-step plan leading both sides back to peace talks.

However Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has told Washington that it should not put Israel under pressure to end its military offensive against Palestinian militants.

An Israeli army spokesman said most of the Palestinians rounded up during the offensive were released shortly afterwards, once their identification had been checked.

Detainees were held at an army base in the West Bank and included more than 100 men on Israel's list of most wanted suspects.