Israeli troops have killed a Palestinian stone-thrower during an arrest raid that caught a wanted Islamic Jihad member in this West Bank town, Palestinian officials said.

The occupation troops, backed by tanks and bulldozers, entered Jenin around midday and surrounded the home of a wanted Islamic Jihad member, witnesses said.

When a group of youths started throwing stones at the soldiers from a nearby building, troops opened fire, hitting an 18-year-old in the head.

Palestinian medical officials said the teen, identified as Yussif Tzadek, died later at a nearby hospital. The officials said five other Palestinians were wounded.

The Israeli army said it fired at Palestinian armed men after troops were attacked by gunfire and explosives that wounded two soldiers. The army had no information on the dead teen.

An Islamic Jihad spokesman said one of the group's members was arrested by troops. The army declined to comment, saying the operation was continuing.

Siege 

Aljazeera's correspondent in Jenin reported that about 30 Israeli military vehicles entered the city and surrounded the al-Sharqi neighbourhood.

Israeli forces encircled one of the buildings allegedly housing wanted Palestinians. The troops seized several houses and detained the residents, the correspondent added.

Clashes erupted between al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and the occupation forces, he said.

Cut off

Aljazeera's correspondent in Gaza has reported that thousands of Palestinians have been stranded at the Abu Holi military checkpoint, which separates southern Gaza from the central and northern parts of the city.

Residents were prevented from returning to their homes after Israeli forces closed the checkpoint.

PHOTO CAPTION