The authorities have arrested 13 Palestinians suspected of preparing a terrorist attack, a prosecutor said today.

They later arrested nine Palestinians suspected of terrorist activity, the spokesman said.

Israel has arrested more than 5,000 Palestinians who are suspected, or have been convicted, of involvement in the violence.

Israel also said that it had arrested 1,200 Palestinians, including 70 who were on wanted lists.

The army said it had arrested eight Palestinians in Tulkarm.

The border police ultimately arrested the wanted man, who was wounded, and six other Palestinians.

Some say Kuwait wants to arrest and prosecute more Palestinians.

The army said two weeks ago that it had arrested 2,000 Palestinians as leaders of the protests.

Israel has arrested more than 5,000 Palestinians in the current fighting, and their freedom is a top priority for Palestinians.

It said the soldiers had arrested 13 Palestinians in the Tulkarm camp.