Israel’s West Bank Raids Leave Tens of Thousands Without Shelter/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Over 37,000 Palestinians have been displaced as Israel’s military intensifies its operations across several West Bank refugee camps, the largest forced displacement since 1967. The Israeli government has suggested a long-term occupation, preventing residents from returning home. Troops have demolished houses, roads, and infrastructure, leaving many seeking temporary shelter in makeshift housing and UN facilities. With limited aid available, and Israeli forces blocking access to some camps, thousands of displaced Palestinians now face an uncertain future.
West Bank Displacement Quick Looks
- Over 37,000 Palestinians displaced due to Israeli military operations in the West Bank.
- Israeli forces have destroyed homes, roads, and infrastructure, leaving entire refugee camps empty.
- Israel’s defense minister confirms plans to hold territory for at least a year, barring return.
- UN agencies warn of a humanitarian crisis, calling for urgent assistance for displaced families.
- Displaced Palestinians face housing shortages, with many forced into makeshift shelters.
- Israeli operations continue as the government aligns with Trump’s calls for long-term population transfers.
Deep Look: West Bank Displacement Grows as Israeli Forces Destroy Camps
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forcibly displaced as Israeli military operations escalate across the West Bank, marking the largest wave of displacement since the 1967 war. Refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarem, Far’a, and Nur Shams have been largely emptied, with troops demolishing homes, roads, and infrastructure, leaving families scattered across makeshift shelters and temporary housing.
A Sudden Exodus Under Fire
For many Palestinians, the evacuations happened quickly and without warning.
“There was no time to pack,” said Haleemeh Zawaydeh, a 63-year-old woman forced to flee with 14 family members after Israeli snipers entered her Jenin neighborhood.
“I was born in the camp, and I still live in the camp. There is no place that can replace it.”
Zawaydeh’s story mirrors thousands of others as Israeli forces push deeper into multiple camps, carrying out what they describe as counterterrorism operations targeting armed militant groups.
Mass Evictions and Widespread Demolitions
The displacement has been extensive, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. According to UN officials, Israeli forces have:
- Destroyed over 100 homes in Jenin, leaving thousands homeless.
- Demolished 100 housing units and 300 commercial shops in Tulkarem, crippling local economies.
- Set fire to at least 10 homes, adding to the devastation.
In Nur Shams, residents were given maps marking homes set for demolition, but many were unable to retrieve belongings before the destruction began.
“Every person has memories in his home, in his neighborhood, in the streets,” said Mohammed Abdullah, a displaced Palestinian father.
Israel Plans to Occupy Camps Long-Term
Israel’s Defense Minister announced that troops will remain for at least a year, effectively preventing Palestinians from returning to their homes.
This draws parallels to 1948, when 750,000 Palestinians were displaced during Israel’s creation, and raises concerns among rights groups over potential violations of international law.
“Forcible population transfers are banned under international law,” said a UN human rights official, warning that the policy could be considered a war crime.
Palestinians Face Limited Aid and Resources
With thousands displaced, humanitarian groups are struggling to provide assistance. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has sent limited aid, but with Israel withholding tax revenues, its financial ability to help is stretched thin.
Meanwhile, UNRWA (the main UN agency for Palestinian refugees) has been restricted by new Israeli laws, making coordination with the military nearly impossible.
“The right of return is sacred – No to displacement,” read signs at a protest outside Tulkarem camp.
As Israel’s operations continue, the future for tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians remains uncertain. With checkpoints, roadblocks, and armed patrols preventing their return, many fear they may never go home.
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