Israeli forces launched an extensive military assault on the northern occupied West Bank city of Tubas on Wednesday.
Troops stormed Palestinian homes in the early morning hours in the towns of Tammun, Tayasir and Aqaba, turning several houses into temporary military barracks. Residents were forcibly removed from their homes.
Israeli forces also closed roads and erected earth mounds, obstructing the movement of people across the area.
According to local media, Apache helicopters were seen flying over the city, reportedly firing arbitrarily at civilian homes.
Several videos posted online appear to show Israeli forces setting up equipment on the roofs of civilian homes. Additional footage shows troops blocking ambulance crews attempting to reach Palestinians in need.
Due to the intensified military incursion, the Tubas Governorate announced the suspension of work in all governmental and private institutions - including schools - with operations shifting online for the day.
The governor of Tubas said the Israeli army is justifying its latest operation - which he expects to last several days - by claiming it is pursuing wanted Palestinians. He stressed, however, that no such individuals are present in the area.
Israeli Army Radio reported that a military division comprising three brigades is taking part in the Tubas operation.
In a statement, an Israeli army spokesperson said the military, alongside the Shin Bet intelligence agency and Border Guard forces, is conducting a large-scale campaign to stop what they described as “terrorist activities” in the occupied territory.
He added that the army “will not allow terrorism to take root and will work proactively to thwart it”.
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