Europe plays a crucial role in protecting Palestinian democracy, leftist member of government Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi said on Saturday. 'If the siege is not lifted after the formation of a government of national unity, the entire Palestinian Authority will collapse.'

The Israeli occupation forces re-invaded the West Bank city of Nablus on Friday night from many directions and took up positions in the old city. Palestinian medical sources said that three Palestinians had been injured in confrontations which erupted in the city after the Israeli forces had invaded.