Palestinian militants claim that the deployment of Israeli tanks in the West Bank may be a step towards annexation. Israeli Merkava tanks have been stationed in Jenin, part of a major offensive that has displaced tens of thousands. The military operation in the north of the territory has cleared three refugee camps and deployed tanks in Jenin. The International Committee of the Red Cross has reported that many displaced residents have taken shelter in crowded mosques and schools, facing difficulties accessing basic needs and surviving the winter cold.