Israeli security forces backed by helicopters raided the volatile West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday, killing at least eight Palestinians in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a “large-scale and significant military operation”.

The action, launched a day after US President Donald Trump declared he was lifting sanctions on ultranationalist Israeli settlers who attacked Palestinian villages, was announced by Netanyahu as a new offensive against Iranian-backed militants.

“We are acting systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its arms in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria,” Netanyahu said. Judea and Samaria are terms Israel uses for the occupied West Bank.

The military said soldiers, police and intelligence services had begun a counter-terrorism operation in Jenin. It follows a weeks-long operation by Palestinian security forces in self-rule areas of the West Bank to reassert control in the adjacent refugee camp, a major centre of armed militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which get support from Iran.

As the operation began, Palestinian security forces withdrew from the refugee camp and the sound of heavy gunfire could be heard in mobile phone footage shared on social media.

Palestinian health services said at least eight Palestinians were killed and 35 wounded as the Israeli raid began, a week after an Israeli air strike in the Jenin refugee camp killed at least three Palestinians and wounded scores more.

Ecstatic crowds waving flags greeted the buses that left the sprawling Ofer prison complex in the occupied West Bank early on Monday. Inside were 90 Palestinian prisoners, all women, teenagers, and children, many of whom say they were abused and tortured inside Israel’s detention system – allegations that Israel has repeatedly denied.

They were freed as part of a long-fought-for ceasefire brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt. Split into three phases, the initial six-week period will see Hamas release 33 hostages it seized during its bloody attacks on 7 October. In exchange, almost 2,000 Palestinians in Israeli detention would also be freed.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports from Jerusalem:

The Israeli Commanding Officer has revealed his reason for resigning is similarly the “failure” over Hamas’ 7 October, 2023, attack, which “”will burn my heart for all my life”.

In a handwritten note released today, MG Yaron Finkelman said: ‏“I decided to end my role as the commander of the South forces and my service in the IDF.

“On 7 October, I failed to defend the western negev and its residents and beloved Heroes… this failure will burn my heart for all my life.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the release of British former hostage Emily Damari.

Sir Keir was said to have thanked Netanyahu for her release.

Footage has captured a large number of Israeli military bulldozers arriving in the West Bank.

A large scale operation was launched on the city of Jenin today.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement on the West Bank raids.

Today, he said: “On the directive of the Security Cabinet, the IDF, the ISA and the Israel Police have today begun an extensive and significant military operation to defeat terrorism in Jenin – ‘Iron Wall’.

“This is an additional step in achieving the objective that we have set – bolstering security in Judea and Samaria.

“We are acting methodically and with determination against the Iranian axis wherever it reaches – in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and] Judea and Samaria – and we are still active.”

The top Israeli general who has resigned has said “the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israel’s citizens” when Hamas attacked the country on 7 October 2023, citing his “responsibility for this terrible failure” in his reasons for ending his tenure.

In a statement issued today, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said: On the morning of 7 October, under my command, the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israel’s citizens. The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price – in lives lost, in hostages taken, and in those wounded both physically and emotionally. The courageous acts of many – security forces personnel, IDF soldiers and commanders, and brave civilians – were not enough to prevent this great disaster. My responsibility for this terrible failure accompanies me every day, every hour, and will remain with me for the rest of my life.”

He continued: “In recognition of my responsibility for the IDF’s failure on 7 October, and at a time when the IDF has recorded extraordinary achievements and restored Israel’s deterrence and strength, I request to conclude my tenure on 6 March, 2025.”

He added: “In the time remaining, I will finalise the investigations and continue strengthening the IDF’s readiness for the challenges ahead. This will ensure a smooth and structured transition of command to my successor.

“I will always be a soldier of the State of Israel.”

Israel’s defence minister has responded to the resignation of a top Israeli general over Hamas’ 7 October attack.

A spokesperson for Israel Katz said in a statement issued today: “The Chief of Staff, Major General Herzi Halevi, informed me today of his desire to terminate his position for the reasons he detailed in his letter.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the Chief of Staff and thank him for his contribution to the IDF throughout his years of service as a fighter and as a commander, and for his part in the great achievements of the IDF in the difficult war that was forced upon us.

“The Chief of Staff will continue to fulfill his duties and will carry out an orderly overlap procedure until the end of his duties.”

An Israeli Commanding Officer has also resigned.

The Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, MG Yaron Finkelman, informed the Chief of the General Staff today of his decision to end his service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Hamas has called upon Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank to escalate fighting against Israeli forces in response to a military offensive in the city of Jenin, the militant group said in a statement.