Israel deploys tanks in West Bank amid major military push
The Israeli military has deployed tanks in the West Bank for the first time since 2002. Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the relocation of 40,000 Palestinians from areas affected by the counter-terrorism operation.
- I have instructed the Israel Defence Forces to prepare for a long-term presence in the cleared refugee camps over the next year and not to allow the return of residents or the resurgence of terror - said Defence Minister Israel Katz.
The operation, codenamed "Iron Wall," has been ongoing for over a month. The army emphasises that the aim is to eliminate the threat from terrorist organisations growing stronger in the area and to destroy their infrastructure.
The Israeli army reported that over 60 terrorists have been killed, and more than 210 wanted individuals have been detained during the operation. Unfortunately, several civilians, including a two-year-old child and a pregnant woman, have also been killed in the actions. Palestinian authorities have confirmed these losses.
The military is destroying homes and roads
According to the UN, the current offensive in the West Bank is the largest military operation since the end of the second intifada in 2005. The military is demolishing homes, destroying roads, and cutting off electricity and water supplies in some areas, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
The West Bank, inhabited by nearly 3 million Palestinians and approximately 500,000 Jewish settlers, is the site of intense military activity. Part of this territory is administered by the Palestinian Authority.
