Israel expels residents of three West Bank refugee camps

Israel's defence minister says the camps are now "empty" and would be occupied by the Israeli military.

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Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said the camps in Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams were now "empty" and would be occupied by the Israeli military for the coming year.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has deployed a tank division around the city of Jenin - the first time it has done so since 2002. The Palestinian Authority condemned the move.

The UN said earlier this month that Israel's operation, which began on 21 January and was intensified in recent days, had led to the "forced displacement" of 40,000 people.

"So far, 40,000 Palestinians have evacuated from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams, which are now empty of residents," Israel Katz said in a statement.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg70r9enm7po

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