A Palestinian activist has been killed and three occupation Israeli soldiers injured in a shoot-out in the northern West Bank town of Nablus, security sources said. Israeli and Palestinian security sources have confirmed that a member of Hamas was killed on Monday. Aljazeera's correspondent in Nablus, Hasan al-Titi, said: "Twenty-seven year-old Ihsan Sawahna was killed by Israeli forces about two hours ago. "Israeli tanks and armoured vehicles entered Nablus at around midnight. Tanks moved into the area known as Jabal Shimali, after which a gun battle broke out between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters. "The tanks shelled a few buildings in the area causing major damage to some homes. "Sporadic gunfire continued throughout the night," al-Titi said. Israeli security sources say the army responded after it came under fire when it entered Nablus to arrest Sawahna, a local Hamas member. Al-Titi also said another battle broke out when Israeli tanks and soldiers moved closer to Sawahna's home on Monday morning. Palestinian security sources have confirmed that 27-year-old Sawahna was killed in the shoot-out. Three Israeli soldiers were also wounded in the process, two of the injuries were described as light while one soldier was injured more seriously, according to the military source. Nablus residents said the latest incursion by Israeli troops ended an hour ago at about 10am (0800 GMT) when the tanks were seen leaving the area. **Occupation Soldiers Die in Gaza Attack*** Palestinian resistance fighters have killed at least four Israeli soldiers and wounded several more after they blew up an army post on the Gaza-Egypt border. Hamas and a group known as the Fatah Hawks, from the dominant Palestinian faction, said they carried out Sunday's attack. The Fatah group said it was avenging the assassination of Yasir Arafat, referring to rumors widespread among Palestinians that their veteran leader was poisoned. French and Palestinian officials have denied the rumors. The groups said they burrowed 600 metres to reach the Israeli post at the Rafah border before detonating a 1500kg bomb. They said they opened fire and later set off another large blast nearby. **Gaza pull-out*** Israeli media said two Palestinian bombers were believed to have died in the first explosion. At least eight wounded people were being treated by medics and would be evacuated to hospital by military helicopters, radio stations said. The army has not commented on Aljazeera's report about Israeli fatalities. But within hours, Israeli helicopter gunships fired about six missiles at various buildings in Gaza City. No occupation forces spokesperson has named the identities of the targets, but residents said the city was being pounded in numerous locations. Israel has vowed to respond to violence, but said it could cut back on military operations if resistance groups waging an uprising against occupation stop attacks on Israelis. Sharon wants to evacuate all Israel's illegal settlements in the Gaza Strip and four of 120 in the West Bank next year in a bid to "disengage" from fighting with the Palestinians. Polls show most Israelis want to part with impoverished Gaza. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Ariel Sharon. (AP)