The Israeli military this weekend deployed tanks to the occupied West Bank for the first time in two decades. In the background of a Gaza ceasefire, Israel has steadily escalated an intense military operation in Palestinian cities in the West Bank,

By Raneen Sawafta and James MackenzieJENIN, West Bank/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel sent tanks into the occupied West Bank for the first time in more than 20 years on Sunday as it ordered the military to prepare for an "extended stay" to fight Palestinian militant groups in the area's refugee camps.

Israeli tanks entered the occupied West Bank as the IDF prepared to fight Palestinian militant groups in the area's refugee camps. The move marks the first time Israel has sent tanks into the occupied West Bank in more than 20 years.