Ramallah, Nov 26 (Petra) -- Israeli occupation forces, backed by the Shabak internal security service, on Wednesday launched a large-scale military campaign across the North of the West Bank.

Israel army radio reported that a large force, with armored bulldozers, stormed into the town of Tubas and nearby Tammun and Akkaba villages, as helicopters circled the region.

In a statement, the occupation army called it an open-ended operation and vowed to prevent Palestinian resistance groups from establishing a foothold in the region, and will preemptively act to forestall such attempts.

The army imposed a curfew starting at 4:00 AM, and said the campaign will continue for days, similar to those in West Bank refugee camps, coinciding with the war on the Gaza Strip.

The local education directorate in the northeastern West Bank said public schools were closed on Wednesday for the safety of students and staff.

Tubas Governor Ahmed al-Asaad also announced the closure of government and private institutions, adding that the occupation authority is trying to fragment the Northern West Bank and cripple movement.

The local emergency committee will be reactivated to address humanitarian matters and meet essential needs, , he said, stressing that the governorate is in coordination with local institutions to secure services.

The Israeli army has stepped up attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the start of the war on Gaza, which left about 1,070 people dead and injured more than 10,000, and saw more than 20,000 arrested, including 1,600 children, according to Palestinian sources.

//Petra//SS