FOUR Palestinians were shot dead on Friday in fighting with Israeli troops in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, bringing the death toll in nine days of violence to at least 73. Two Palestinians were killed in an exchange of fire between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian gunmen near the West Bank city of Nablus, medical sources said. One Palestinian was shot dead in clashes with Israeli troops at the flashpoint Netzarim junction in Gaza, and a fourth Palestinian was killed by a bullet to his side in the West Bank town of Tulkarm. The death toll comprises 61 Palestinians, nine Arab Israelis, one Israeli soldier, a border guard and a Jewish civilian. – Reuters