The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has issued a stark warning regarding the widespread destruction in the northern West Bank. The agency reports that continuous Israeli military operations, ongoing since January, have effectively emptied the Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams refugee camps, resulting in the forced displacement of over 32,000 Palestinians.
Roland Friedrich, the Director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank, stated that the destruction is occurring “relentlessly” more than 10 months after the launch of Operation “Iron Wall.” He emphasized that the three camps “have transformed into ghost towns after once being vibrant communities.”
Friedrich further noted that the Israeli military continues to issue demolition orders under the pretext of “military purposes.” This includes a recent order targeting the complete demolition of 12 buildings and the partial demolition of 11 others in the Jenin camp, with implementation scheduled to begin this Friday. He also highlighted that March and June witnessed mass demolition orders affecting over 190 buildings in the Jenin camp, in addition to the demolition of 20 buildings in February.
The UN official asserted that this “systematic destruction” violates international law and leads to “the long-term consolidation of the occupying army’s control over the camps.” He stressed that these areas require reconstruction, not further destruction, and that residents must be allowed to return to their homes.
These developments occur amid a sustained Israeli escalation in the West Bank for over two years, marked by raids, arrests, and assassinations, alongside the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip since October 2023.
According to official Palestinian figures, Israeli actions in the West Bank have resulted in the deaths of over 1,083 Palestinians, injuries to more than 11,000, and the arrest of over 20,500 individuals since the escalation began.
