Israel expelled the residents of three occupied West Bank refugee camps to intensify a month-long major operation on Palestinian territory.
Israeli Defense Minister James Katz said the camps of Jenin, Tarkham and Nur Shams are currently “empty” and will be occupied by Israeli forces next year.
The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) said it had deployed its tank division around the city of Jenin – for the first time since 2002. Palestinian authorities condemned the move.
The United Nations said earlier this month that Israeli operations, which began on January 21 and strengthened in recent days, led to “forced evacuation” of 40,000 people.
“So far, 40,000 Palestinians have evacuated from refugee camps in Jenin, Talcarem and Nur Shams, with residents currently empty,” Israel Katz said in a statement.
“I have instructed (the troops) to prevent residents from returning and reviving terrorism, preparing for the long-term presence of next year at sunny camps.”
He also said Israel has directed the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) to cease activities in the region.
Nabil Abu Rudain, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, described the decision to deploy the tank as “a dangerous Israeli escalation that does not become stable or mild.”
In a statement, the IDF said its forces are “continuing operations to stop terrorism,” expanding “aggressive activities.” .
The United Nations said Thursday that 51 Palestinians, including seven children, have been killed by Jenin, Talkarm, Governor Tuba and three Israeli soldiers since the Israeli operation began on January 21. .
The attacks have seriously damaged water and sanitation infrastructure and disrupt access to water to “tens of thousands of people.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Talkalm refugee camp on Friday and ordered the Army to strengthen “operational activities,” his office said.
“We’re entering terrorist bases and flatten the entire streets used by terrorists and their homes. We’re eliminating terrorists,” Netanyahu said.
His visit follows the explosion of three buses in Tel Aviv, Israeli officials described it as “suspected terrorist attacks” caused by the kind of bombs previously found in the West Bank.
Israel occupied the West Bank in a six-day war in 1967, and later built around 160 villages that house around 700,000 Jews. Israel has objected this, but settlements are considered illegal under international law.
