Israeli forces detain 3 in Jenin

Maan News Agency:

Israeli soldiers check the ID of a Palestinian man during an Israeli incursion

into the northern West Bank city of Jenin on December 30, 2005.

[MaanImages/Mohamad Torkoman]

JENIN (Ma'an) -- Clashes broke out early Monday in the northern West Bank city of Jenin as Israeli forces detained three at dawn.



Palestinian security officials told Ma'an Israeli forces entered a number of homes, and Palestinian youths gathered to threw stones at the soldiers.



The army responded with tear gas, and Yousif Abu Saleim, 28 and Muhammad Abu Samara, 23, were transferred to Jenin public hospital for gas inhalation, the officials said.



Israeli forces detained two men in Jenin's old city, identified as 34-year-old Alaa Fathi Sadiq, and 22-year-old Muhin Abu Ubeid.



An Israeli army spokeswoman said three people were detained in the area overnight, two from Jenin and another from southwest of the city. They were all taken for "security questioning," she said.



During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours and celebrate from dusk, heightening risk of confrontation during night raids by Israeli forces.