Israeli troops withdraw from Jenin

THE Israeli army has completed its withdrawal from the West Bank town of Jenin, following days of fierce fighting.

Palestinian security officials confirmed Israeli claims that the army had pulled completely out of Jenin, the scene of the bloodiest fighting during the Israeli campaign launched three weeks ago, but said troops continue to surround the area.

Troops and tanks remained on the outskirts of the town, inside the autonomous Jenin zone near the town and its refugee camp.