ALBAWABA - For the first time since the Second Intifada, Israeli tanks have begun advancing towards the city of Jenin, according to sources reported by Al Jazeera. The escalation comes as Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz instructed the army to prepare for a long-term presence in targeted refugee camps across the occupied West Bank.
At the same time, the Israeli military has imposed a 48-hour curfew on the town of Qabatiya in the Jenin governorate, as reported by the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) citing Governor Kamel Abu Al-Rub.
The developments are part of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the northern West Bank, which has entered its second consecutive month. The offensive has resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties, the displacement of tens of thousands, and the destruction of large portions of infrastructure.
According to Walla, an Israeli news website, Israeli tanks were observed moving in the vicinity of Jenin.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided the town of Yamoun, west of Jenin, according to Palestinian media reports.
Clashes erupted between Palestinian residents and Israeli troops near the entrance of Silat al-Harithiya, west of Jenin, sources told Al Jazeera.
Jenin and its refugee camp have been under heavy Israeli military operations since January 21. Simultaneously, Israeli forces reinforced their presence in central Tulkarm, marking 28 consecutive days of Israeli assaults on the city.
As part of the expansion, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has reportedly directed the army to consider establishing permanent military outposts within Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank, according to Walla.
An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that Israel is deploying tanks inside Jenin for the first time since 2002, referring to the large-scale Operation Defensive Shield during the Second Intifada.
Additionally, elite Israeli forces from the Nahal Brigade and Duvdevan Unit have initiated ground operations in villages surrounding Jenin and Tulkarm.
Defense Minister Katz also announced that Israeli forces are preparing for an extended presence in targeted refugee camps.
