Israel deployed tanks to the West Bank for the first time since 2002, with officials preparing for an extended military presence to combat terrorism in refugee camps.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said troops would remain for at least a year, preventing displaced Palestinians from returning.

The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the move as an escalation.

This comes as a ceasefire with Hamas remains in place, with recent hostage and prisoner exchanges, Fox News has reported.

The conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing over 1,100 people and abducting around 250.

Written by B.C. Begley