NABLUS, Feb 29: A Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli soldiers on Sunday during an exchange of fire in Balata refugee camp near the northern West Bank town of Nablus, Palestinian security sources said.

Mohammed Awis, 24, a member of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades movement, had been on an Israeli wanted list, the sources added. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

His death brought the overall toll since the start of the Palestinian intifada in September 2000 to 3,790, including 2,836 Palestinians and 886 Israelis. -AFP