JENIN, West Bank — Israel’s defence minister said Sunday troops will remain “for the coming year” in parts of the occupied West Bank where they have launched an offensive and will prevent tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians from returning, as Israel deepens its crackdown on the Palestinian territory. Israel launched the broad offensive in […]
Israel has deployed tanks in the West Bank for the first time since 2002, targeting the Jenin refugee camp as part of a military operation aimed at combating terrorism. This move, which began in January, involves a prolonged military presence, with plans to stay for at least a year. The operation has led to the displacement of thousands of Palestinians, many of whom are unable to return, and has resulted in over 800 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, including militants, protestors, and bystanders. Concurrently, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza is under negotiation, with a U.S. envoy working to extend it, though Hamas refuses further talks until prisoners are released, a condition Israel is resisting. This escalation underscores ongoing tensions and international efforts to stabilize the region.
