DaysofPal- The Israeli Occupation Forces IOF have intensified their military operations in the cities of Jenin and Tulkarem, marking a relentless campaign of destruction, forced displacement, and arrests that has stretched for weeks.
The ongoing siege and systematic targeting of Palestinian homes and infrastructure have left thousands displaced and grappling with severe humanitarian crises.
Tulkarem Under Siege: Demolitions and Military Takeover
In Tulkarem, Israeli forces stormed the city center for the first time since the beginning of their military operation in the West Bank, escalating tensions further. According to press sources, bulldozers demolished a house in the Manshiya neighborhood of the Nour Shams refugee camp, adding to the growing list of destroyed properties.
Residential buildings in the eastern neighborhoods, particularly those near the Tulkarem camp, have been seized and converted into makeshift military barracks. Residents face a tight siege, now entering its 19th consecutive day, which restricts movement and access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies.
Intensive deployments by Israeli soldiers were reported after midnight, with troops patrolling the streets, especially in the central market and on Al-Alimi roundabout. Citizens attempting to return to their homes in the camps were pursued, intimidated with live ammunition and sound bombs, and several were detained during these operations.
Jenin Camp Under Fire
In Jenin, located in the northern West Bank, the situation is equally dire. An Israeli drone launched airstrikes on civilian homes within the Jenin refugee camp, marking the 25th day of continuous military aggression. The media committee in Jenin confirmed that 25 Palestinians have been killed, and widespread destruction has devastated the camp’s neighborhoods and infrastructure.
The committee described the situation as an “unprecedented humanitarian disaster,” citing water and electricity outages, along with shortages of essential goods. Approximately 20,000 residents have fled their homes due to the violence and destruction.
So far, 470 facilities and homes have been either completely or partially destroyed as a result of targeted bombings and deliberate demolition. Alarmingly, Israeli forces are preventing water from reaching four main hospitals, leaving 35% of the city’s population without access to clean water. This blockade exacerbates the already dire conditions faced by injured civilians and hospital staff struggling to provide care.
Additionally, the occupation authorities have arrested 120 people in Jenin and its camp since the start of the military campaign, subjecting many to field interrogations under duress.
A Prolonged Assault Across the West Bank
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have expanded their attacks throughout the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem. Official Palestinian data reveals a staggering toll: 911 Palestinians killed, approximately 7,000 injured, and over 14,500 arrested. These figures underscore the scale of the crisis unfolding across Palestinian territories.
Human rights organizations and international bodies have repeatedly condemned the disproportionate use of force against civilians, emphasizing violations of international law, including war crimes related to collective punishment, forced displacement, and the deliberate targeting of civilian areas.
Calls for Accountability and Relief
As the humanitarian catastrophe deepens, local committees and advocacy groups urge the international community to intervene urgently. They demand accountability for Israeli actions, an immediate end to the sieges, and unrestricted access for aid organizations to deliver critical supplies to affected populations.
The plight of Jenin and Tulkarem serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure respect for human rights and international law. Without intervention, the suffering of families like those in Jenin and Tulkarem will only continue to escalate, perpetuating cycles of violence and despair.
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