JENIN, West Bank/JERUSALEM – For the first time in over 20 years, Israel has deployed tanks into the occupied West Bank, signaling a major escalation in its military operations against Palestinian militant groups. Israeli authorities have ordered troops to prepare for an “extended stay” in the area’s refugee camps.
The move comes amid growing tensions following a series of explosions near Tel Aviv and a halt in Palestinian prisoner releases under the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Key Developments:
- Mass Displacement: Around 40,000 Palestinians have been forced from their homes as Israeli forces raided Jenin, Tulkarm, and other key cities, targeting Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants.
- Military Operations Intensify: Israeli troops arrested 26 militants, seized weapons, and demolished homes and infrastructure, cutting power and water supplies.
- International Concerns: Palestinian officials condemned the tank deployment as a “dangerous escalation,” warning it will further destabilize the region.
Gaza Ceasefire in Jeopardy
While a 42-day ceasefire in Gaza has temporarily paused fighting, tensions remain high after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu halted the release of Palestinian prisoners in response to public celebrations of freed Israeli hostages in Gaza.
With hundreds of Palestinian and Israeli casualties reported since the conflict began, fears are rising that the violence could escalate to levels seen during the Second Intifada.
The situation remains volatile as Israel shifts its focus to the West Bank, a region long viewed by Palestinians as a key part of their future state.