AP, West Bank :
Israeli troops killed four Palestinians in an early morning raid that was followed by a clash with angry protesters in a West Bank town on Saturday, the military and Palestinian security officials said, in the deadliest incident in months.
The violence came amid a recent spike in clashes in the West Bank that could complicate the already troubled peace efforts as the sides near an April deadline set under US-sponsored talks.
Saturday’s incident started with an Israeli raid, which the military said aimed to arrest Hamza Abu el-Heija, a 22-year-old Hamas operative wanted for involvement in shooting and bombing attacks against Israelis.
Palestinians officials said the military ringed the house in the Jenin refugee camp overnight and ordered el-Heija outside. When he refused to come out, the soldiers stormed the building and a shootout ensued.
The military said the suspect opened fire first, wounding two Israelis, and then attempted to escape. The troops then opened fire and killed him.
Within minutes, hundreds of angry residents and gunmen gathered and attacked the soldiers. The troops opened fire and killed three Palestinians, the military said.
