RAMALLAH, February 23, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces have intensified their aggression in northern West Bank, deploying tanks around the city of Jenin for the first time since their offensive in the region in 2002. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing military offensive in the area.
This comes as Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz, in a statement to Israeli media this morning, confirmed that instructions had been issued for forces to prepare for a prolonged stay in the refugee camps, suspending UNRWA operations, and preventing residents from returning to their homes.
Since the beginning of the Israeli offensive in northern West Bank, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from the Jenin, Tulkarm, Nour Shams, and Al-Far'a refugee camps.
On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz visited the Tulkarm refugee camp, where they ordered further military reinforcements and expanded the aggression in the northern West Bank.
The Israeli offensive on Jenin and its refugee camp has now entered its 34th day, leaving behind at least 27 fatalities, dozens of injuries, over 160 detainees, and widespread destruction, including the complete demolition of around 120 homes and the partial destruction of many more. Infrastructure in the region has also suffered severe damage.
Today, Israeli forces expanded their offensive to the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin, deploying additional military vehicles and bulldozers. They initiated home searches while destring roads, power lines, water pipes, and civilian vehicles.
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