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 entered Jenin in the West Bank as part of a broader military offensive. This move follows recent statements by Israeli officials to maintain a presence in Palestinian territories for the next year.

Associated Press journalists saw a handful of tanks move Sunday into Jenin, long a bastion of armed struggle against Israel.