UNRWA: 32,000 Palestinians Remain Displaced from Northern West Bank Camps
The UN agency warns of “systematic destruction” in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams as Israeli forces issue new demolition orders
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced on Thursday that 32,000 Palestinians remain forcibly displaced from refugee camps in the northern occupied West Bank due to Israel’s ongoing military assault that began early this year.
Roland Friedrich, Director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank, said that the residents of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams camps have been unable to return to their homes after the camps were entirely emptied following the Israeli invasion on January 21. He described the once-vibrant communities as having turned into “ghost towns.”
New Demolition Orders Target Dozens of Homes
Friedrich revealed that in recent days, Israeli forces issued new demolition orders under the pretext of “military purposes,” including the full demolition of 12 buildings and partial demolition of 11 more in Jenin camp. The demolitions are scheduled to begin on Friday.
He added that in March and June, Israeli authorities issued sweeping demolition orders targeting more than 190 buildings in Jenin camp, in addition to the destruction of 20 structures through controlled explosions last February.
UNRWA: Systematic Destruction Violates International Law
The UN official stressed that this “systematic destruction” carried out by the Israeli military constitutes a violation of international law and serves only to entrench long-term Israeli control over the camps.
He emphasized the urgent need for immediate reconstruction, stating that Israeli authorities must allow displaced residents to return to their homes.
Friedrich noted that the Israeli assault, which began in Jenin camp, later expanded to include the camps of Tulkarem and Nur Shams, forming part of a continuous escalation that has gripped the West Bank for more than two years.
This escalation coincides with the ongoing genocidal war waged by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.
According to official Palestinian data, Israel’s aggression in the West Bank has resulted in:
1,083 martyrs
Around 11,000 injured
More than 20,500 arrests
since the beginning of the escalation. (PW)