Palestinian health authorities said an Israeli airstrike in the northern West Bank killed at least 10 people late Wednesday. Israel’s use of a jet fighter to strike the rural village of Tamoun late Wednesday marked the latest escalation in its intensifying crackdown on Palestinian militants in the occupied territory.

The sudden expansion of Israeli security operations in the West Bank has killed at least 10 people and follows the start of the delicate ceasefire process in Gaza, by which Israeli hostages are released in stages and will also see the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.

At least 10 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the northern West Bank, Palestinian authorities said on Wednesday. The Israeli military said it targeted a group of armed men with an aircraft in the West Bank town of Tamun but did not provide further details.

Civilian hostage Arbel Yehoud among six to be released this week • Israel will allow returns of Gazans to north

In the days since a fragile ceasefire took hold in the Gaza Strip, Israel has launched a major military operation in the occupied West Bank and suspected Jewish settlers have rampaged through two Palestinian towns.

The action came a day after President Donald Trump said he will lift sanctions on ultranationalist Israeli settlers who attacked Palestinian villages.

As Israel withdraws some of its troops from Gaza during a cease-fire there, it has turned attention to another Palestinian territory — in particular a city with a history of militant activity.

Israel kills two Palestinians in the West Bank as the military focuses on a major crackdown during Gaza ceasefire.

Israel says its increased military raids are aimed at combating rising Palestinian militant attacks against Israelis, including shootings. View on euronews