Israeli tanks enter occupied West Bank for first time in decades

In response to an increased military offensive that has forced 40, 000 Palestinians from refugee camps in the north, Israeli forces have deployed their tanks in the occupied West Bank for the first time in more than 20 years.

Israel announced expanded military operations, including tank deployments, on Sunday, announcing that its troops would remain in the West Bank refugee camps for the upcoming year.

About a month prior to the ceasefire’s conclusion in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military conducted a significant raid on Palestinian fighters in the West Bank. Multiple refugee camps are located close to Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas, respectively.

“So far, 40, 000 Palestinians have evacuated from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams, which are now empty of residents”, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.

“I have instructed]troops] to prepare for a prolonged presence in the cleared camps for the coming year and to prevent the return of residents and the resurgence of terrorism”, he added.

According to the United Nations, the Israeli offensive has so far killed at least 51 Palestinians, including seven children, and three Israeli soldiers, as well as displacing at least 40, 000 people.

The military announced on Sunday that “a tank division will operate in Jenin” as part of “expanding” operations in the area.

It is the first time that tanks have moved into the territory since the end of the second Intifada, or uprising, in 2005.

“The Nahal]infantry] Brigade and]elite] Duvdevan Unit forces have begun to intervene in other villages” in the north of the territory, Katz’s statement said, adding that they “are continuing their operations in the Jenin and Tulkarem regions”.

The army opened new entryways into the densely constructed camps in Tulkarem and Jenin after bombing dozens of homes with explosives. Armoured bulldozers wreaked havoc, upturning tarmac, cutting water pipes, and tearing down roadside facades.

Since the Gaza war started in October 2023, there has been more violence in the West Bank.

Source: Aljazeera