Israeli tanks have moved into the occupied West Bank for the first time since 2002, shortly after the defence minister said troops will remain “for the coming year” in parts of the territory and indicated that Palestinians who have fled cannot return.

Israeli tanks have moved into the occupied West Bank for the first time since 2002, shortly after the defense minister said troops will remain “for the coming year” in parts of the Palestinian territory.

Israel on Sunday said troops would stay in West Bank refugee camps for the coming year, announcing expanded military operations including tank deployments, after the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians.