Israeli Tanks Enter Occupied West Bank for First Time in Decades Amid Escalating Tensions
West Bank, The Gulf Observer: Israeli tanks moved into the occupied West Bank for the first time in decades, a move that Palestinian authorities have condemned as a “dangerous escalation.” The development comes after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that troops would remain in parts of the territory for a year, preventing tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians from returning.
According to reports by the Associated Press, several tanks were observed advancing along unpaved tracks into the city of Jenin, a long-standing stronghold of Palestinian armed resistance. The incursion marks a significant shift in Israeli military operations within the West Bank.
Defense Minister Katz stated that he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had directed the military to “increase the intensity of the activity to thwart terrorism” in all refugee camps across the occupied territory. The decision signals an expansion of Israel’s military presence in the region amid ongoing hostilities.
The move has drawn strong criticism from Palestinian officials, who argue that such military actions will further destabilize the already fragile security situation. Palestinian leaders have called for international intervention to prevent further escalation.
The Israeli incursion into Jenin comes amid heightened tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinian groups, raising concerns over the potential for prolonged conflict in the occupied territories. As developments unfold, the situation remains a focal point for regional and international diplomacy.
