Four die in Israeli W Bank raid

Such clashes are rare in Ramallah

At least four Palestinians have been killed and about 30 injured during an Israeli army raid to arrest militants in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

The trouble started when Israeli soldiers in disguise went into the city but were uncovered, witnesses say.

Their car was reportedly burned, prompting Israel to send in reinforcements. Palestinians threw stones at the soldiers who shot back.

Islamic Jihad militant Mohammed al-Shubaki was arrested, Israel said.

One of the dead was a police officer and the other three were civilians, Palestinians sources were quoted as saying. The Israeli army said its troops had shot three gunmen.

This is a rare confrontation in the city where Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has his headquarters, says the BBC's Caroline Hawley in Jerusalem.

TV reports showed Palestinian gunmen also making a brief appearance on the streets of Ramallah.

Palestinian doctors say the injuries were caused by a mixture of live and rubber bullets.

One of the dead was shot in the eye, reports say.