Gaza, W. Bank Sealed on Eve of Celebration

Israel tightened its blockade of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, fearing attacks by Palestinian militants as Israelis marked Memorial Day and prepared to celebrate Independence Day beginning at dusk today.

Gun battles between Israeli troops and Palestinians blazed overnight near the Palestinian-ruled town of Ramallah and other areas in the West Bank despite renewed contact between the sides that is aimed at stemming the hostilities.

The army sealed off Palestinian areas from Israel, as well as border crossings linking the territories to Jordan and Egypt, until early Friday.