Credited from: ALJAZEERA
The ongoing Israeli military operations in the Jenin refugee camp, located in the occupied West Bank, have prompted severe humanitarian concerns as violence escalates. CNN reported that the operations, dubbed “Iron Wall,” have seen the destruction of over 120 buildings resulting in the displacement of approximately 15,000 residents from the camp.
According to figures released by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 70 Palestinians, including 10 children, have lost their lives since the onset of military raids this year, with a significant concentration of these casualties in Jenin. The Palestinian Authority has described the relentless military action as an "all-out war" aimed at carrying out ethnic cleansing in the region. Al Jazeera emphasized the accusation of ethnic cleansing, citing widespread death and destruction across multiple areas in the West Bank, including Tubas, Nablus, and Tulkarem.
The destruction in Jenin has left it largely deserted, akin to a "ghost town," as reported by Reuters. Residents were forced to evacuate under the threat of military action, leaving possessions behind, further complicating the human toll.
In the midst of this turmoil, a recent attack at the Tayasir checkpoint resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers, highlighting the surge of violence as both sides remain engaged in ongoing conflict. The Israeli military has vowed to continue its operations, asserting that the attacks justify their military presence to combat what they label as terrorist threats. Al Jazeera reported that the attacker, described as armed with an M-16, was subsequently killed during the exchange.
United Nations officials and humanitarian organizations have expressed grave concerns over the conditions in the Jenin camp, urging for urgent interventions. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) stated that large parts of the camp have been rendered uninhabitable due to military actions, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The situation is further stressed by the blockade, which has led to critical shortages in essential supplies like food, water, and medicine. BBC highlights the rising desperation in the camp as collapsing infrastructure leaves thousands vulnerable.
This unfolding crisis is a stark reminder of the long-standing conflicts in the region, with renewed calls for peace and stability amid escalating violence that threatens civilian lives on both sides.