Israeli raids cause massive damage to roads, businesses in West Bank
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The destruction primarily affected the cities of Tulkarm and Jenin, where two weeks of intense military raids began in late August.
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An Israeli army bulldozer moves through the West Bank town of Qabatiya during a raid, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
The New York Times reported on Thursday that Israeli military bulldozers have caused extensive damage to roads, sewage systems, and businesses in the occupied West Bank, in what residents describe as an unprecedented level of devastation.
The destruction primarily affected the cities of Tulkarm and Jenin, where two weeks of intense raids began in late August.
According to the report, the military vehicles "tore up mile after mile of streets and alleys, leaving sewage to seep into the deep ruts left behind.” Videos captured by locals showed bulldozers leveling infrastructure, shops, and businesses, while Israeli soldiers reportedly blocked emergency responders from assisting those in need of medical care.
"We watched their bulldozers destroy streets, wipe out businesses, pharmacies, and schools. They even tore down the town's soccer field and uprooted a tree in the middle of a road," said Kamal Abu al-Rub, governor of Jenin. "What was the purpose of this destruction?"
Jenin. | West Bank 🚨
— West Bank Observer (@observrwestbank) September 19, 2024
🔴 The Israeli occupation bulldozer is destroying the infrastructure in the town of Qabatiya, south of the city of Jenin pic.twitter.com/I9YdKzf38K
Adding to the situation is the intensification of airstrikes targeting homes in the West Bank, a tactic previously associated with Gaza. This shift has escalated fears among Palestinians.
"They are creating conditions, both materially and psychologically, that make people feel Gaza is coming to the West Bank," said Shawan Jabarin, director of the West Bank-based human rights organization Al Haq. "There is a growing fear among Palestinians that this is part of a plan to kill and forcibly remove us."
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Jenin Mayor Nidal Obeidi reported that approximately 70 percent of the city’s roads were either heavily damaged or completely destroyed during the raids.
In addition to the destruction, several areas experienced outages in internet, electricity, and phone services, while water and sewage systems were cut off, leaving nearly 80 percent of Jenin’s population without access to running water.
Businesses in both Jenin and Tulkarm have also suffered significant losses. Rami Kmail, a local shop owner, reported that his store had been damaged in 10 separate Israeli raids since October 7, 2023, with repair costs reaching up to $20,000 after each incident.
Maximum pressure in Jenin
Israeli occupation forces launched a wide campaign aimed at debilitating essential services in the governorate of Jenin.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Israeli occupation forces besieged several hospitals in Jenin, a policy applied by the Israeli regime in nearly every incursion on the governorate.
Our sources reported that "Israel" also cut off electricity and internet services in several areas in the city of Jenin.
Moreover, Hundreds of schoolchildren and staffers were not allowed to leave the al-Karamah school near the Jenin Hospital.
In Aanza, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that a woman was killed and three others were injured as a result of the Israeli aggression.
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