Israeli authorities have killed three Palestinian militants during an operation in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.

Police said the three men were shot as they came out of a cave near Jenin, a town in the northern West Bank known as a militant stronghold.

The Israeli military said the militants "took part in terror activity in Jenin", but gave no further details.

Two militants where shot and killed in the initial volley of gunfire.

The third, who was wounded, was killed shortly after, according to the Israeli military.

An earlier statement said the Israeli military carried out an air strike shortly afterward to destroy the cave.

The army confirmed an air strike in the area but gave no further details.

Israel has stepped up its military activity in the occupied West Bank

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