Israel killed two Palestinians in the northern West Bank overnight and into Wednesday, the occupied territory's Heath Ministry said, as the Israeli military focuses on a major crackdown there during the ceasefire in Gaza.

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.

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.