Sun Feb 23 10:44:58 UTC 2025: ## Israel Expands West Bank Offensive, Pledges Year-Long Troop Presence
**TEL AVIV, Israel —** Israel announced a significant escalation of its weeks-long military operation in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, deploying tanks to the militant stronghold of Jenin and vowing to maintain a troop presence in several refugee camps for the next year. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have fled these areas, leaving them “emptied of residents,” and ordered the military to prevent their return.
The offensive, launched on January 21st, initially focused on Jenin and has since expanded to nearby areas, including refugee camps. Israel claims the operation aims to curb rising Palestinian militancy, but it has resulted in a sharp increase in casualties and widespread displacement. Sunday’s escalation includes sending tanks to Jenin and expanding raids to other areas.
The intensified operation occurs amidst a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following the recent Gaza war. While the truce remains in place, negotiations for its extension have yet to begin, raising concerns about the possibility of renewed conflict. The situation is further complicated by a suspected Palestinian militant attack in Israel on Thursday, involving explosions targeting empty buses.
The ongoing conflict highlights the long-standing dispute over the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war and claimed by Palestinians for their future state. Israel’s decision to maintain a prolonged military presence marks a significant departure from its typical practice of withdrawing troops after completing missions in Palestinian areas.
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