Israeli forces have extended their military operations in the West Bank, with columns of tanks sweeping into the towns of Jenin and Salfit, near Nablus. There was heavy shooting as at least 30 tanks headed for the centre of Jenin early on Wednesday morning, BBC reported. A Palestinian woman was reported to have been killed after being hit by a bullet. In Bethlehem, more than 100 armed Palestinian police and militia are reported to have taken refuge in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity - built on the spot where Christians believe Jesus was born. They fled there after fighting running battles with Israeli forces, now deployed outside the church.