Israel has expanded its military operations against armed Palestinian groups in the occupied West Bank, deploying tanks in the northern region for the first time in two decades. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that tens of thousands of Palestinians displaced by Israeli military actions in several West Bank cities would not be allowed to return to their homes. The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the move, calling it a dangerous escalation.
The tank deployment follows a series of explosions on three buses in Tel Aviv last week. Authorities stated that the devices resembled bombs previously made in the West Bank, though no casualties were reported.
Tensions have further intensified as Israel delayed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas freed six hostages on Saturday. Both sides have accused each other of violating the cease-fire agreement.
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