In an unprecedented escalation of violence and displacement, Israeli forces are demolishing refugee camps in the occupied West Bank at a record pace, leaving tens of thousands of Palestinians in a state of uncertainty and despair. The largest wave of home demolitions since 1967 is currently underway, with three camps—Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur al-Shams—being systematically emptied. Israeli soldiers are pushing deeper into these areas, forcing families out with little notice, often giving them mere hours to collect their belongings before their homes are reduced to rubble.
Reports indicate that 690 homes have already been completely demolished, with hundreds more in the process of destruction. In Jenin alone, 340 homes are targeted, while Tulkarem faces 400 demolitions, and Nur al-Shams sees 225 homes leveled. The scale of this operation is staggering, and the humanitarian impact is dire. Families are left displaced, uncertain of their future, and many do not even know if their homes still stand.
Satellite images reveal a shocking transformation: once densely populated camps with narrow alleyways are now barren landscapes, cleared for what the Israeli army claims are “widening roads” to facilitate future military operations. Critics argue that the true motive is to erase the historical presence of Palestinian refugees and to eliminate the relevance of their plight.
As families grapple with the loss of their homes and memories, the fear of returning to a changed and unrecognizable camp looms large. With soldiers blocking access and firing on anyone attempting to return, the situation is rapidly deteriorating. The world watches as the crisis unfolds, raising urgent questions about the future of these communities and the ongoing conflict. The time for action is now; the lives of countless individuals hang in the balance.