Tanks deployed as 'Israel' orders extended stay in West Bank
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Security Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Israeli forces would expand their assault on the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams in the northern West Bank.
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Image shows Israeli tanks being deployed in the occupied West Bank. (X/ @RT_com)
"Israel" has ordered its military to extend its occupation in parts of the West Bank, intensifying its crackdown on Palestinian communities under the pretext of targeting Resistance groups.
The decision follows explosions on buses near Tel Aviv last Thursday, which "Israeli" authorities labeled as an attempted attack, despite no casualties being reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to escalate operations in the West Bank, leading to a large-scale offensive that has forcibly displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians from their homes in refugee camps. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed as homes and vital infrastructure are demolished, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Security Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Israeli forces would expand their assault on the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams in the northern West Bank, aiming to dismantle Resistance groups. He confirmed that 40,000 Palestinians have already been driven out from these camps.
Tanks roll into Jenin
For the first time in over 20 years, "Israel" is deploying tanks to Jenin, escalating its military presence and occupation in the northern West Bank. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the action, warning, "This is a dangerous Israeli escalation that will not lead to stability or calm, and we warn of this dangerous escalation."
Israeli TANKS pull up near West Bank's Jenin for 1st time in 2 DECADES
— RT (@RT_com) February 23, 2025
Image shows column of armor near city
IDF says it's 'expanding offensive activity' pic.twitter.com/PVTRBTHhne
In addition to the military offensive, Katz announced that the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA, has been ordered to halt its humanitarian activities in the refugee camps, effectively cutting off crucial aid to displaced Palestinians.
Read more: UNRWA chief sounds alarm on rising Israeli violence in the West Bank
Ceasefire in Jeopardy
This latest escalation occurs amid a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and "Israel" in Gaza, which has largely held since January 19 despite systematic breaches on the part of "Israel."
Earlier today, Hamas issued a statement expressing strong condemnation of "Israel's" decision to delay the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, who were due to be freed on Saturday in exchange for six Israeli hostages.
Hamas also dismissed the Israeli claim that the "release ceremonies are humiliating" as a false pretext aimed at evading its obligations under the agreement. The movement noted that the ceremonies were conducted with dignity and respect for the released prisoners, contrary to the allegations.
"The real humiliation lies in the mistreatment our prisoners endure during their release," Hamas stated, recalling reports of physical abuse, deliberate humiliation, and harsh conditions imposed on detainees until their final moments in Israeli custody.
Read more: Israeli captive kisses head of Hamas fighter during prisoner swap
According to the movement, Palestinian prisoners are often released while handcuffed and blindfolded, and their families are threatened against holding public celebrations to welcome them home.
Hamas also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately obstructing the agreement, calling the delay a clear violation of its terms and further proof of the Israeli occupation's unreliability in fulfilling commitments.
The group urged international mediators and the global community to take responsibility and pressure "Israel" to implement the agreement without further delays.
