IOF demolish 1,000+ homes, turn West Bank camps into 'lifeless zones'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 08:58

Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank have demolished over 1,000 homes and displaced thousands in the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams camps.

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An Israeli army bulldozer demolishes homes in the Palestinian urban refugee camp of Nur Shams, in the West Bank, Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (AP)

Israeli occupation forces continue their aggression on the West Bank, storming cities and carrying out arrests and physical assaults against Palestinians, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported.

In detail, in the city of Beit Lahm, Israeli occupation forces stormed several areas, raided citizens' homes, and arrested three Palestinians: Eid Abdel Nasser Abdel Rahim Salhab, Issam Atta Khalaf al-Shaer, and Ibrahim Nasser Wraydan.

Moreover, they severely beat a Palestinian citizen in the city of Jenin, resulting in internal injuries and bruises. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that its crews treated a 43-year-old man injured in an attack by Israeli soldiers.

Israeli occupation forces also raided the Balata and Askar refugee camps east of Nablus. Local sources reported that several military vehicles, accompanied by a bulldozer, stormed the Balata refugee camp and wreaked havoc inside it. Meanwhile, violent confrontations erupted in the old Askar refugee camp following its raid by Israeli forces.

Elderly beaten, injured

In the southern West Bank, Red Crescent crews confirmed that an elderly Palestinian was injured after being assaulted by Israeli occupation forces in the Masafer Yatta area, south of al-Khalil.

Likewise, Israeli occupation forces continued their incursions in the area, storming the city of Yatta, south of al-Khalil, and the city of Halhul, north of the city, in addition to storming the town of Birzeit, north of Ramallah, in the central West Bank.

These raids and attacks come amid an ongoing escalation in the West Bank, where Israeli occupation forces repeatedly carry out raids, arrests, and abuse against Palestinians on a daily basis.

Demolitions exceed 1,000, killings exceed 55 since January

Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank have resulted in the demolition of more than 1,000 Palestinian homes and the killing of at least 55 people since January, Anadolu reported, citing two Palestinian media committees.

The destruction has concentrated on three northern West Bank refugee camps: Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams, with operations intensifying since January 21.

These raids are part of a protracted military campaign characterized by home demolitions, infrastructure destruction, and the occupation of residential buildings.

Widespread destruction in Jenin camp

The Jenin camp has borne the brunt of the Israeli aggression, with over 600 homes demolished and many others rendered uninhabitable.

The camp's media committee reported that the area has endured 159 days of continuous military activity, including home burnings and road demolitions.

As a result, 42 Palestinians have been killed, dozens wounded or arrested, and around 22,000 people forcibly displaced.

Over 25,000 residents flee Tulkarm, Nur Shams camps

In a separate statement, the Tulkarm media committee stated that 400 homes have been demolished in the Tulkarm and Nur Shams camps, with partial damage to over 2,500 additional buildings.

The Israeli occupation military is reportedly planning to demolish another 106 buildings, affecting more than 250 housing units.

At least 13 Palestinians, including a child and two women, one of whom was pregnant, have been killed in the two camps since the onset of the operations.

Over 25,000 residents have fled, with local groups describing the conditions as a humanitarian catastrophe. Access to the camps remains restricted, effectively turning them into "nearly lifeless zones," according to the committees.

Humanitarian crisis, forced displacement

The ongoing Israeli military operations have led to widespread Palestinian displacement and exacerbated humanitarian conditions. Local committees highlight the psychological and physical toll on residents, particularly women and children.

At least 986 killed since October 7

Since the beginning of "Israel's" war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, at least 986 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

In July, the International Court of Justice ruled that "Israel's" occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and called for the dismantling of all settlements in the West Bank and al-Quds.