Welcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Center www.imemc.org for Wednesday September 10, 2008.

Israeli troops attacked on Wednesday a number of West Bank areas, taking prisoner some Palestinian residents. Meanwhile, an explosion ripped through the Gaza city, causing no causalities. These stories and more are coming up, stay tuned.

The News Cast:

Israeli military forces invaded today several areas in the West Bank, including Jenin, Bethlehem and Hebron. The invasions resulted in kidnapping a number of local residents after their houses were searched and ransacked by the soldiers.

Meanwhile, a Palestinian woman splashed two Israeli soldiers with chemical liquid at the Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus Wednesday morning. The woman escaped the scene, while the soldiers were hospitalized. Medics described the injuries as light.

In Gaza, a large blast ripped through the vicinity of the Hamas-run compound of ministers. No causalities or damage were reported as police squads rushed to the scene.

Also in Gaza, a report by the Israeli online daily Haaretz, revealed that an Israeli soldier has severely beaten a Palestinian man at the southern-Gaza Kissufim crossing. Israeli army spokesperson said the military prosecutor would conduct a probe and then produce findings.

Two months ago, the Israeli soldiers, manning the Kissufim crossing, shot dead a 21-year-old Palestinian guy as he attempted to enter Israel for work. Israel has been placing Gaza under tight closure since June2007, helping worsen Gaza's economy.

Previous records indicate that assaults by Israeli troops against Palestinians handled by the Israeli military has proven to be a failure, since in most cases, perpetrators are acquitted from the charges and set free.

In related news, Palestinian media sources reported that the Israeli army began today military exercises around the Gaza Strip. Witnesses said that Israeli drones buzzed overheads yesterday night.

Israel has recently warned of a large military offensive on Gaza, despite a 10 week-old Egyptian-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian resistance factions. Some commentators say the ceasefire is shaky because Israel has not lifted the blockade.

Conclusion
Thank you for joining us from occupied Bethlehem. You have been listening to Palestine Today from the International Middle East Media Center, www.imemc.org. This report has been brought to you by Rami Al-Meghari, Hussam Qassis and Gorge Rishmawi.