Doha: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported on Thursday that Israeli occupation forces have forcibly displaced Palestinians from the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps, leaving some 32,000 people in a state of forced displacement and highlighting the urgent need for their immediate return.
According to Qatar News Agency, UNRWA's Director of Operations in the West Bank, Roland Friedrich, stated that the destruction in the northern West Bank refugee camps has continued relentlessly for more than ten months since the start of the Israeli occupation aggression. Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams camps have been completely emptied, leaving approximately 32,000 residents forcibly displaced as these camps have turned into ghost towns. He added that the occupation continues to issue new demolition orders under the pretext of "military purposes."
Friedrich explained that the latest orders include the demolition of 12 buildings in Jenin camp, along with partial demolition orders for 11 additional structures, set to begin tomorrow (Friday), marking a new phase in reshaping topography of the camps.
He noted that previous mass demolition orders were issued in March and June, affecting more than 190 buildings in Jenin camp, in addition to 20 other buildings destroyed in February using controlled demolition. Friedrich stressed that this systematic destruction violates the fundamental principles of international law and only serves to strengthen long-term control by the Israeli occupation army over the camps, which require rebuilding rather than further devastation.
The UN official called on the international community to pressure the occupation forces to allow displaced residents to return to their homes and restore their lives without delay, warning of the consequences of any delay in taking supportive steps for these "humanitarian" demands.
In recent months, Israeli forces have targeted West Bank refugee camps, destroying homes and infrastructure, killing and arresting hundreds, and forcing residents into displacement in full view of the international community.