Israel Destroys 480 Homes in Jenin as Military Assault Displaces Thousands
Israeli forces have demolished 480 homes in Jenin refugee camp amid a prolonged military offensive, displacing 18,000 Palestinians and escalating destruction across the northern West Bank.
Watan-Since the start of Israel’s military offensive on the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank—now in its 48th consecutive day—Israeli forces have completely destroyed approximately 480 homes, according to journalist Asri Fayadh.
In the latest destruction, Israeli troops blew up a home in the Daba al-Ghabz area of the camp on Sunday, as part of ongoing violations against residents and infrastructure.
Fayadh confirmed that Jenin camp consists of around 3,300 homes, out of which 480 have been completely destroyed through burning, demolition, explosions, or bulldozing. Most other homes have sustained partial damage. Additionally, Israeli forces have converted several houses into military outposts. With the escalation continuing, about 18,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee the camp, facing a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Israel’s Ongoing Assault on Northern West Bank Refugee Camps
The Israeli military operation in Jenin has entered its 48th consecutive day. In parallel, the army has also conducted raids in towns and refugee camps across Jenin and Tubas, while its assault on Tulkarm city and its refugee camp has continued for 42 days. Meanwhile, the attack on Nur Shams camp has now lasted for 29 days.
Mass Displacement and Widespread Destruction
The Israeli military’s escalation in refugee camps across the northern West Bank has displaced tens of thousands of Palestinian families, amid large-scale destruction of homes and infrastructure. Since the launch of its operation—named “Iron Wall”—in Jenin on January 21, which later expanded to other cities and camps, the death toll in the West Bank has reached 66, with dozens wounded and hundreds arrested. The total number of demolished homes remains unclear.
Israeli Minister Orders Prolonged Occupation of Refugee Camps
Israeli Minister of National Security Yisrael Katz announced that he has instructed the army to continue occupying Palestinian refugee camps in the northern West Bank until at least the end of this year.
Speaking at the “Federation of Zionism” conference in Tel Aviv on Friday, Katz stated—according to Israel Hayom—that he has directed Israeli forces to maintain control over Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank until at least the end of 2025. He also acknowledged the forced displacement of 40,000 Palestinians from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams, amid the ongoing Israeli military assault.
