Israel kills two in clash with Palestinians

JENIN, West Bank, Nov 27 (Reuters) Israeli troops shot dead two Palestinians, including a militant, in the West Bank during an exchange of fire today, Palestinian security sources said.

Israeli forces patrolling the village of Qabatiya, near the city of Jenin, had come under fire several times by Palestinian militants, an Israeli army spokesman said. The troops fired at and hit two armed Palestinians, he said.

The Palestinian security sources said the soldiers killed a militant and a woman who had rushed to his aid. Palestinian hospital officials confirmed the two deaths.

''We will do everything we can to protect the citizens of Israel, so these actions are meant to prevent harm against Israeli civilians,'' Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz told Israel Radio.

A truce between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza took hold yesterday.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he hoped the truce could apply to the West Bank. Palestinian militant groups have demanded Israel halt attacks in all Palestinian territories.

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