Israel says its military operation in occupied West Bank refugee camps is to "prevent the return of residents and the resurgence of terrorism."

JENIN, West Bank (Reuters) - Israeli bulldozers have demolished large areas of the now virtually empty Jenin refugee camp and appear to be carving wide roadways through its once-crowded warren of alleyways, echoing tactics already employed in Gaza as troops prepare for a long-term stay.

Associated Press journalists saw a handful of tanks move Sunday into Jenin, long a bastion of armed struggle against Israel.

The Israeli military announced Tuesday it had expanded its weeks-long offensive in the occupied West Bank to more areas of Jenin city, saying troops killed three militants although Palestinian officials reported two dead.

The head of a Hamas terror network in the West Bank city of Jenin was killed by undercover Border Police officers this morning, authorities say. The incident comes as the IDF says it has expanded its ongoing counterterrorism raid in the northern West Bank to additional neighborhoods of Jenin.

By Palestine Chronicle Staff The Israeli army continued its siege and aggression on Jenin and its refugee camp for the 45th consecutive day, killing 30 Palestinians, injuring dozens, arresting others,