Israeli tanks entered the occupied West Bank on Sunday, a first in decades, according to Palestinian authorities. The move is seen as a “dangerous escalation” by Palestinians, who claim they cannot return to their homes. Defense Minister Israel Katz said troops will remain in parts of the territory for a year.
The deployment comes amid an Israeli crackdown on militant groups and a rise in attacks. Over 800 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Gaza war began in October 2023. The Israeli military has also faced criticism over its handling of protests, with eyewitnesses reporting that protesters were shot and bystanders killed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under pressure from far-right allies to crack down on militancy in the West Bank. The international community is urging restraint, but the situation remains volatile.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is set to expire next week, with talks over a new phase yet to begin. The US envoy to the Middle East has announced plans to visit the region to negotiate an extension of the current ceasefire.
Palestinian families are left displaced, with many expressing concern over their future return to their homes. “This camp is ours. We have no other place to go,” said one resident of Jenin.
The deployment marks a significant escalation in Israeli military action in the West Bank, which has been largely quiet for decades. The international community must now weigh in on this developing crisis and find a way to bring calm back to the region.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-02-23-2025-1c2dc86afd2e05888d5d588f462e898b