Israel forcibly evacuates 40,000 from West Bank camps

Israel has expanded its military operations in the occupied West Bank, deploying a tank division to the city of Jenin for the first time in 20 years, as part of a broader offensive against militant groups. Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams, which are now largely empty. Katz emphasized that the military would maintain a prolonged presence in these areas to prevent the return of residents and combat terrorism. The United Nations has reported significant casualties, including over 50 Palestinians killed since the operations began, alongside severe damage to critical infrastructure. Palestinian officials have condemned these actions as a dangerous escalation that undermines stability, while Israeli authorities assert that their operations are necessary for security. The situation remains tense, with ongoing concerns over humanitarian impacts and the future of the displaced populations.