Israel Actually Occupied West Bank of Jordan River

Expanding 6-day offensive on Palestinian districts, Israeli troops advanced into northern towns of Nablus and Jenin expanding fronts to all districts of West Bank.

Foreign press reported on the 3rd that Israeli forces gave artillery fire and air raid after Islamic militants of Hezbollah in Lebanon fired antitank missiles at Israeli military posts on the 2nd. It is 2 years ago that Israel was attacked with Katyusha rockets.

Under such situation, the Security Council of UN decided in the morning of 3rd(morning of 4th in Korea) to discuss the resolution for the withdrawal of Israeli troop, which Arab countries presented.

▽Israel intensified military press = Israeli tanks rolled up Palestinian towns of Jenin, which is known as the home of some bombing suicide terrorists, and Salfeet near to Nablus.

Palestinian security sources announced that some 50 Israeli tanks rolled into northern Jenin during the pre-dawn incursion, and exchanged fires with Palestinian militants.

And the sources announced that 20 tanks of Israel forces took up positions in Salfeet, which lies 20 km southwest Nablus, without any resistance.

Meanwhile, witnesses said that 120 Palestinian gunmen were hiding inside one of Christianity`s holiest shrines, Bethlehem`s Church of the Nativity seeking refuge from Israeli troops that invaded the city, and fighting against them.

▽Toning up domestic criticisms on the Middle East policy of George W Bush = With the former and current officials of U.S. and lawmakers and newspapers of both leftists and conservatives urging U.S. President George W Bush to move to prevent bloody collision of Israel and Palestine, criticisms on the Middle East policies of Bush administration are getting tough.

New York Times stressed in the editor`s opinion on the 2nd that the only influential leader who can manage the crisis is President Bush, even though he is unwilling to intervene the Middle East conflicts.

Previously, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright along with 3 senators including Joseph Lieberman urged President Bush to `prepare measures by sending State Secretary Colin Powell to the spot. `

Former US National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brezinski criticized on the CNN on the 2nd, “President Bush`s noninvolvement policy is nonsense. ”

Jong-Dae Ha orionha@donga.com