The European Union Representative in Palestine, Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, expressed his shock and anger at the Israeli military onslaught on Jenin camp that left 12 Palestinians dead and more than 140 wounded, as well as turning the camp into a scene of devastation and ruin.
Burgsdorff joined 30 other diplomats on Saturday in a visit to the camp, which was organized by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). He witnessed the horrific aftermath of the Israeli raid, which took place last Monday and Tuesday.
He said that what the Israeli occupation forces did in Jenin camp was “painful” and a flagrant violation of international law. He added that dozens of houses were obliterated within a 9 km diameter, and water pipes and sewage were smashed.
He called on the international community to intervene and pressure the Israeli occupation to end its aggression and occupation, warning that otherwise there will be no end to the bloodshed and suffering.
He also demanded that the Israeli occupation stop its brutal attacks on civilians and respect international law during any military operation. He said that the Israeli occupation must investigate publicly in the event of any violations by Israeli settlers, and punish those who carry out the attack.
He explained that the aim of the visit was to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian civilian population in the camp, who are living under constant threat and oppression, especially children and families, and to see the damage that has occurred. He said that he would report to all capitals of diplomatic missions on the atrocities he saw in Jenin.
The Israeli occupation forces launched a massive assault on the city of Jenin and its camp at dawn last Monday, which lasted for two days. The assault triggered fierce clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters. The Israeli forces used heavy weapons, tanks and bulldozers, as well as snipers who targeted ambulances and medical staff.
The assault resulted in the death of 12 Palestinians, including five children, and more than 140 injured, including 30 critically wounded. Among the dead were four members of the same family who were killed when an Israeli missile hit their home.
The assault also caused severe damage to citizens’ homes and properties, as well as to infrastructure in the camp. According to UNRWA, more than 500 people were displaced from their homes due to the destruction or damage.
Jenin camp is one of the largest and oldest refugee camps in the West Bank. It hosts more than 16,000 refugees who fled or were expelled from their homes in 1948 during the ethnic cleansing of Palestine by Israel.
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