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.

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.

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.

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

The United Nations secretary-general has warned that Israel might seize the opportunity to annex the occupied West Bank.

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.