Forcing Palestinians out: New Israeli tactic in West Bank - WSJ
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The Wall Street Journal reports that the Israeli occupation is utilizing a new tactic against the Resistance in the occupied West Bank, which entails emptying refugee camps.
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Residents of the West Bank urban refugee camp of Nur Shams evacuate their homes and carry their belongings as the Israeli military continues its operation in the area, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 (AP)
The Israeli occupation forces are implementing a new tactic to clear the camps entirely in the occupied West Bank, particularly targeting the Jenin refugee camp, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The report describes this approach as part of the Israeli occupation's "intensified military operations" following October 7's Al-Aqsa Flood, with the aim of preempting new threats and preventing Palestinian Resistance fighters from reorganizing.
The report highlights the scale of destruction in Jenin, where Israeli bulldozers have demolished roads and damaged infrastructure, including schools and mosques. Many buildings have been simply reduced to rubble, and those still standing have been riddled with bullet holes.
Israeli officials claim the operation is necessary to prevent Palestinian fighters from regrouping. One Israeli military officer stationed in the area was quoted as saying, “We’re trying to make sure they won’t have time to recover.”
The report also states that Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz told soldiers in February that they should expect to remain in Jenin for at least a year. The report further notes concerns among Palestinian officials and residents that the Israeli occupation's long-term goal is to dismantle the refugee camps entirely under the pretext of security operations.
'Israel' pushing people out
Kamal Abu al-Rub, the governor of Jenin, warned that the Israeli regime is “changing the nature and structure of the camp” and pushing people out. He also accused the Israeli regime of weakening the Palestinian Authority (PA) and making Jenin uninhabitable so that displaced residents do not return.
WSJ’s visit to Jenin, facilitated by an exclusive tour with the Israeli occupation forces, revealed ongoing Israeli efforts to reshape the camp’s landscape. Bulldozers have razed entire buildings to widen roads and allow armored vehicles greater access, while Israeli officials claim to have uncovered underground tunnels and weapons manufacturing sites.
According to the report, Palestinian Resistance groups in Jenin have been growing in strength and sophistication, including the possession of M16 rifles and getting aid from Iran.
Hundreds killed, thousands displaced
The humanitarian toll has been severe. Since the war on Gaza began, over 900 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, according to the United Nations.
In Jenin alone, Israeli occupation forces have killed 29 Palestinians since January 2025. While the Israeli regime claims that most of those killed were Resistance fighters, Palestinian officials argue that the Israeli aggression constitutes collective punishment.
Displaced Jenin residents, now in temporary shelters, express uncertainty over when—or if—they will be able to return home. Many believe their displacement may last months or even years, raising fears that the Israeli campaign could lead to the permanent dismantling of the refugee camps, which exist due to previous displacement campaigns.
The Israeli occupation forces have intensified home demolitions and infrastructure destruction in Tulkarm, Jenin, and refugee camps in the northern West Bank. According to the Popular Services Committee in Nur Shams, the occupation forces have destroyed 66 homes since the beginning of its assault on the camp.
In Jenin, the aggression has resulted in the partial or complete destruction of 512 homes and facilities, according to the camp's committee. Additionally, Israeli forces have issued demolition notices for more than 60 homes within the next 24 hours, signaling further escalation and humanitarian deterioration in the West Bank. Simultaneously, the occupation forces stormed the town of Arabbuna, northwest of Jenin.
