Israel launches major operation in occupied West Bank

Israeli security forces have initiated a major ground operation, with air support, in the north of the occupied West Bank on Tuesday evening, an Israeli military spokesman said.

"Security forces have now launched an operation to thwart terrorism in Jenin and Tulkarm," army spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a joint statement on Telegram with Israel's Shin Bet security service.

At least seven Palestinians have been confirmed killed and three others were injured so far, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

The operation is mainly targeting the Jenin refugee camp, the al-Far'a refugee camp, and the Nur Shams refugee camp, in Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarm respectively.

Footage on social media showed Israeli bulldozers razing streets. 

Thousands of Israeli forces are reportedly taking part in the operation, with members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) engaging with the military personnel.

The operation comes days after Israeli forces conducted an air strike in the West Bank’s Nur Shams camp near the city of Tulkarm, killing at least five people, including two children. On the same day, one person was fatally shot and three others were injured during an attack by Israeli settlers near Bethlehem.

Over 600 Palestinians and 15 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank since 7 October, according to the UN.