KHAN YOUNIS, May 23, 2007, (WAFA)-Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Wednesday morning thirteen citizens in the Gaza Strip(GS) and West Bank(WB), WAFA correspondent said.

He told WAFA that special Israeli squad , under air cover, stormed amid intensive fire shooting Khaza'ah town, east Khan Younis district and arrested seven citizens of Qdeih family, leading them into an unknown spot.

Witnesses said that Israeli soldiers imposed a comprehensive siege on the area for more than three hours and spread a state of fear and panic among children and women.

It should be noted that this operation in the area is the first since the start of the Israeli escalation on the Gaza Strip a week ago.

In Nablus, Israeli soldiers trust into Tel village, south Nablus city, conducted a search campaign into citizens' houses and arrested five citizens, leading them into an unknown location, witnesses said.

Israeli troops broke into new Asker refugee camp, stormed the house of Ali Gheith and arrested and led him into an unknown fate, security sources said.

M.H.(10:35 P)(07:35 GMT)