RAMALLAH, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Two Palestinians were killed on Friday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in northern West Bank, Palestinian authorities and eyewitnesses said.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said in a statement that two Palestinians were killed and three others were injured in the clashes in the old city of Nablus, including one in serious condition.

Fierce clashes broke out when dozens of Palestinians hurled stones at Israeli troops who stormed Nablus and surrounded a house for a manhunt, during which some Palestinian gunmen opened fire at the soldiers, and the latter fired back, according to Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses.

Ahmad Jibril, director of emergency in the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, said the two killed Palestinians were identified as Hamza Maqboul and Khairy Shahin.

The Israeli authorities didn't immediately comment on the incident. However, Israel Radio reported that an Israeli army force entered the old city of Nablus to arrest wanted Palestinians, adding that three Palestinians were arrested before it pulled out from the area.

According to Israel Radio, the army killed two Palestinians allegedly involved in shooting attacks against Israeli army posts.

The Israeli army recently carried out daily raids in West Bank towns and villages, triggering clashes with the Palestinians. The army said they were there to arrest militants involved in carrying out attacks against Israel.

Since January, 26 people, most of them Israelis, have been killed in a series of attacks carried out by Palestinians, while 190 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers, according to official figures. Enditem

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