40,000 homeless in West Bank 'escalation'

Israeli tanks block return of residents

- BY CHRIS HUGHES Defence and Security Editor

AFTER Israeli tanks stormed the West Bank for the first time in decades, the nation's troops are continuing to destroy Palestinian homes there.

The tanks, due to stay for a year, form part of the barrier preventing residents from returning.

About 40,000 Palestinians have already been displaced since Operation Iron Wall was launched in the West Bank on January 21.

The introduction of the Merkava battle tanks at the weekend has been branded a "dangerous escalation" by Palestinian officials.

Israel says Iron Wall is wiping out Palestinian militant groups but it has thus far destroyed several thousand homes. Locals claim parts of the northern area of the occupied territory are being turned into a Gaza Mark II, with buildings reduced to rubble by bulldozers and explosions.