Israeli troops killed two Islamic Jihad (Holy War) militants in West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday in three-hour fire exchange, witnesses said.

The witnesses said that Salah Sawafta, 24, and Hussam al-Eissa, 26, were shot dead during gunbattles with a number of Israeli soldiers who encircled the two gunmen in an old house in the north of Jenin.

The operation lasted for three hours, added the witnesses.

Saraya al-Quds, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad, condemned the killing of its two militants as a clear proof that the Israeli occupation doesn't respect the declared calmness.

The ceasefire deal with Israel was taken effect in late November, but Israel says it was only applied to Gaza.

Responding to the attack, al-Quds Brigades announced they have launched two home-made rockets into southern Israel town of Sderot.

"There is no place for calmness in the dictionary of retaliation," said Abu Ahmed, a spokesman for the Islamic Jihad.

Meanwhile, Israeli sources said the army has arrested 22 Palestinians in West Bank cities over the past night.

Israeli radio reported that detention focused on activists from Hamas, Fatah and the Islamic Jihad.

Source: Xinhua