Israel intensifies West Bank military operations and plans year-long troop presence

Israel is increasing its military operations in the occupied West Bank, deploying tanks to areas like Jenin. Troops will remain in some regions for a year, preventing the return of around 40,000 displaced Palestinians. The offensive began on January 21, following a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel aims to combat rising militancy, while Palestinians view the actions as efforts to strengthen Israeli control over the territory. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, violence in the West Bank has escalated, resulting in over 800 Palestinian deaths. Israel has delayed the release of Palestinian prisoners amid ongoing tensions.