Palestinian security forces on Thursday conducted a series of drills in the northern West Bank city of Jenin, including a special display for school children.

The exercises were meant to boost the security forces' image in the eyes of the West Bank's younger population.

Additional drills were held in other parts of the West Bank. In Bethlehem, Italian experts supervised over an exercise that simulated the rescuing of people injured in a car accident.

The Palestinian security forces have significantly improved their capabilities over the past two years. Some battalions underwent special training in Jordan under the supervision of US General Keith Dayton, and additional battalions are expected to be trained in the Hashemite Kingdom in the future.

According to Dayton's plan, six Palestinian battalions will become operational by the end of 2010, this in addition to the Presidential Guard.

Israel is closely following the Palestinian forces' advancement, which it considers a positive development.

The Palestinian security forces' request to supply them with explosives and communications apparatus has recently been rejected.