At least five Israeli tanks rolled into the West Bank of Jenin tonight according to Palestinian witnesses and security officials.
The tanks reportedly opened fire on unknown targets, and at least one explosion had been heard.
The column entered from Jenin's northwest periphery, which abuts the West Bank border with Israel, and came to a halt in the centre of the Palestinian-ruled town, the witnesses said.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
An Israeli army spokeswoman had no comment other than to say that troops had entered Yabed village southwest of Jenin after coming under fire from unknown gunmen nearby.
The Israeli army has carried out frequent forays into Palestinian-ruled area since launching a massive West Bank sweep in April after a wave of Palestinian suicide bombing and other attacks.
AFP