Israeli tanks have entered the occupied West Bank for the first time in over 20 years as part of a military operation that has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians. The deployment comes after a major raid against Palestinian fighters in the region, which has killed at least 51 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers.
According to Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, troops will remain in the refugee camps for the coming year, with plans to prevent residents’ return and prevent terrorism. The military operation spans multiple refugee camps near Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas.
The United Nations reports that at least 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, with seven children among the dead. In addition to tanks, armoured bulldozers have destroyed dozens of homes, cutting water pipes and upturning tarmac.
The deployment marks a significant escalation in violence in the West Bank, which has surged since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/2/24/israel-sends-tanks-into-west-bank-for-first-time-in-decades