Israeli forces to remain in northern West Bank all year as military operation expands

Israel’s defence minister has said tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians will not be allowed to return to their homes in the occupied West Bank, as the Israeli military expands its operations against armed militants in the territory.

The “Iron Wall” military offensive, which was launched late last month, has been deemed the most expansive Israeli operation in the West Bank for more than two decades.

Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said on Sunday that he had instructed the military “to prepare for an extended stay in the camps that have been cleared for the coming year, and not to allow residents to return”.