The IDF announced Thursday that it has reversed an earlier decision to evacuate Palestinian families from their homes in the village of Kusra as part of a military operation in the area.

According to a new statement from the IDF, forces that began deploying around the village Thursday morning have been instructed to allow residents to remain in their homes. The military also clarified that troops will not operate inside the Palestinian family home located near the site where a recently evacuated structure had been erected.

“Since the morning hours, IDF forces have been deploying in the area of the village of Kusra in order to protect residents and maintain security in the area,” the IDF said. “The forces have been instructed to allow residents of the village to remain in their homes.”

Under the original operational plan, which is expected to remain in effect through Sunday, Palestinian residents were reportedly set to be temporarily removed from several homes while IDF troops took control of buildings for operational purposes.

The village has been at the center of tensions in recent days following confrontations involving Jewish extremists and local Palestinian residents, drawing international attention and condemnation, including from the United States.

The IDF now says the families will remain in their homes while troops maintain a presence in the area to protect residents and preserve security.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)