Jenin, Feb 25, (V7N) – Palestinian militants warned Monday that Israel’s deployment of tanks in the occupied West Bank—the first in two decades—could signal an attempt at forced annexation following a massive military offensive that has displaced tens of thousands.

Israeli Merkava tanks took up positions overlooking the Jenin refugee camp, an area devastated by weeks of military operations. Streets lay deserted as some displaced residents risked returning briefly to retrieve belongings.

"We had nothing when we left—no clothes, nothing. We go back because we have to," said 52-year-old Ahmad al-Qahrawi, describing the struggle to endure harsh winter conditions in makeshift shelters.

Israel has long floated the idea of annexing parts of the West Bank, a move met with strong Palestinian and international opposition. The militant group Islamic Jihad accused Israel of using military force to redraw territorial lines.

"This aggression aims to uproot our people from their land," the group said, adding that Israel was using mass evacuations to consolidate settler control over key areas.

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Since the operation began—coinciding with a truce in the Gaza war—Israeli forces have cleared three refugee camps: Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that troops would remain for months to prevent residents from returning, claiming the offensive aimed to eliminate terrorism.

The United Nations (UN) reported that 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced, seeking shelter in overcrowded mosques and schools. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned of a dire humanitarian situation, with shortages of clean water, food, and medical care.

UN humanitarian agency OCHA condemned the offensive, saying it “exceeds law enforcement standards” and has severe humanitarian consequences.

"The continued use of lethal war-like tactics in residential areas is extremely concerning," OCHA said in a statement.

The offensive has killed at least 51 Palestinians, including seven children, while three Israeli soldiers have died, according to the UN.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned calls for West Bank annexation, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas voiced concerns over Israel’s military escalation.

Violence in the West Bank has surged since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza erupted in October 2023. Israeli troops and settlers have killed at least 900 Palestinians, while Palestinian militants and clashes have resulted in 32 Israeli deaths, according to official figures.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an escalation of West Bank operations following bomb attacks on Israeli buses last week. While no injuries were reported, Israeli officials said the explosives resembled those used by West Bank militants.

Israeli forces responded by raiding militant strongholds, arresting hundreds of suspects, and demolishing dozens of homes in Jenin and Tulkarem. Armored bulldozers have torn through camp roads, destroying water pipes and opening new military access routes.

The military defended the destruction, saying it was necessary to clear explosive devices planted along roadways.

With violence escalating and displacement rising, fears grow that Israel’s unprecedented military presence in the West Bank could reshape the region’s political future.

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