Israel announces year-long troop presence in West Bank amid ongoing offensive

Israel's defense minister announced that troops will remain in parts of the occupied West Bank for the next year. This follows a broad offensive launched on January 21, aimed at combating rising militancy amid ongoing tensions. The military operation has led to significant displacement, with around 40,000 Palestinians fleeing urban refugee camps. Israel plans to prevent their return, marking a shift from previous practices where troops typically withdrew after missions. In a rare move, Israel has deployed tanks to Jenin, a historic center of resistance. This escalation occurs as violence in the West Bank has surged, with over 800 Palestinians reported killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.