Israeli Army and Shin Bet: We Have Started a Large Operation in Northern West Bank

SadaNews - The Israeli army and Shin Bet stated in a joint statement that Israeli forces began last night "a large operation to thwart terrorism" in northern West Bank, according to the statement, amid extensive incursions into Tubas Governorate in the north.

Walla news site reported from sources that the Israeli army began closing roads in Tubas in the West Bank to enhance control over the area.

For his part, Tubas Governor Ahmed al-As'ad said in media statements: We were informed of the start of a military operation in the governorate that will continue for several days, and the occupation has set up earth mounds.

He added: "The declared goal of the military operation by the occupation is to pursue Palestinian citizens."

He stated that movement is paralyzed in the governorate and there is a danger to the lives of citizens, especially the elderly, the sick, and children.

The governor continued: "The Israeli occupation is trying to impose the status quo, and there is no truth to the existence of wanted persons in the governorate."

He mentioned that the occupation's targeting of the governorate is due to its geographical location and its proximity to the northern Jordan Valley area.

Local sources reported that the occupation raided the city of Tubas and the town of Tammoun with large forces accompanied by bulldozers, along with helicopters flying in the skies.

The sources added that the occupation raided a number of citizens' homes, tampering with their contents and damaging them, and also sent significant military reinforcements to the governorate.

Bulldozers of the occupation worked to close several main and secondary roads in Tubas, Aqaba, and Tammoun with earthen mounds.

In a related context, the occupation forces intensified their military procedures at the Tayaseer and Al-Hamra military checkpoints against the movements of citizens, causing a traffic crisis.

In another development, helicopter gunships fired intermittently without reports of any injuries.

The Tubas Education Directorate announced the suspension of all government schools and kindergartens today, Wednesday, to ensure the safety of students and educational staff. Ahmed al-As'ad, the governor of Tubas and the northern Jordan Valley, also announced the suspension of all government and private institutions.