Israel has ordered its military to prepare for an "extended stay" in parts of the occupied West Bank as it steps up operations against Palestinian militant groups, the Israeli defence minister said on Sunday.

The United Nations has expressed growing concern about the ongoing Israeli military campaign in the northern West Bank. At least 51 Palestinians have been martyred, and 40,000 displaced. Additionally, Israeli occupation forces have caused extensive destruction to homes and infrastructure.

Israel says the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is delayed “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies."

A bus carrying a group of Palestinian prisoners released Saturday by Israel under the Gaza ceasefire deal arrived to a cheering crowd in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, according to an AFP journalist.

Zain Jaafar/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Supported by By Fatima AbdulKarim and Patrick Kingsley Fatima AbdulKarim reported from Ramallah, West Bank, and Patrick Kingsley from Jerusalem.

Buses carrying some of the hundreds of Palestinian freed prisoners and detainees, some flashing victory signs as they hung from the windows.