Israeli military occupies 3 camps in West Bank: Katz

''So far, 40,000 Palestinians have evacuated from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams, which are now empty of residents,'' Israel Katz said in a statement.

''I have instructed [troops] to prepare for a prolonged presence in the cleared camps for the coming year and to prevent the return of residents,'' he added.

MNA