Thirteen Israeli soldiers killed in fighting in West Bank refugee camp

Tuesday, April 9th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(JERUSALEM) - Thirteen Israeli soldiers were killed Tuesday when they entered at least one booby-trapped building during an assault on Palestinian militants in the West Bank refugee camp of Jenin, an Israeli military source said.

It was the single deadliest incident involving Israeli forces in the past 18 months of Israeli-Palestinian fighting. Nine soldiers were wounded.

The soldiers entered the building as part of searches of the camp, which has been the scene of the heaviest fighting during Israel's 12-day military offensive in the West Bank. Israeli media said more than one building was involved.

Palestinian gunmen said they had planted bombs in buildings to hold back advancing Israeli forces. One camp resident was told by gunmen they saw 20 soldiers enter a building, and then detonated explosives hidden inside.