Palestinians Displaced by Israeli Military Operations Face Uncertainty

Residents of Palestinian refugee camps in the occupied West Bank are experiencing profound upheaval as Israeli military operations continue to displace thousands. Since February 2023, when the Israeli military launched “Operation Iron Wall,” numerous families have been forced to evacuate their homes, leaving them in a state of limbo.

Nehaya al-Jundi, a 54-year-old resident of the Nur Shams camp, recalls the terror of watching Israeli troops and bulldozers demolish the area around her home. “We were besieged inside our house and couldn’t leave,” she said, describing how essential services were cut off. Her family managed to escape on February 9 but found themselves confronted by extensive damage upon leaving.

The military operation, which began in late January, aimed to combat armed groups responsible for attacks against Israeli soldiers and settlers. The Israeli military’s approach has resulted in the near total evacuation of three refugee camps in the northern West Bank, marking the largest displacement of Palestinians since the 1967 Six Day War.

In Jenin, another camp affected by the military action, residents have shared similar experiences of fear and loss. Nidal Abu Nase, a development consultant, described the harrowing three days his family spent without power or water amid constant gunfire. “We left with little more than our clothes,” he recalled, highlighting the feeling of urgency and desperation among families forced to flee.

By the end of February, the three camps—Nur Shams, Jenin, and Tulkarm—had seen more than 32,000 residents displaced. According to Human Rights Watch, Israel has destroyed approximately 850 homes and buildings across these areas, with some estimates suggesting even higher figures. The organization has classified these actions as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity, stating that the evacuations violate the Geneva Conventions which protect civilians in occupied territories.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has indicated that troops may remain in the cleared camps for the foreseeable future. Despite claims of success in reducing violence, the operation continues, with ongoing demolitions raising questions about its true objectives. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) assert that armed groups exploit the densely populated camps, necessitating extended military action to stabilize the area.

Satellite imagery reveals the extensive alterations made to the camps, with streets widened to accommodate military vehicles. The IDF maintains that demolitions are essential for operational effectiveness, allowing residents to appeal through Israel’s Supreme Court. However, these petitions have largely been rejected, leaving many families without recourse.

The impact on displaced individuals has been severe. Nehaya’s family, now residing in a nearby village, grapples with the loss of stability and access to their possessions. The once close-knit community of Nur Shams has been fragmented, with families scattered across Tulkarm and struggling to support themselves. Many rely on limited assistance from the Palestinian Authority and various NGOs.

Education has also suffered significantly, as schools run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, remain closed. Nidal noted that his children missed months of schooling, further compounding the challenges faced by displaced families.

The emotional toll is equally profound. Nidal expressed a deep connection to the camp, stating, “For me, the camp is identity and culture.” Nehaya echoed these sentiments, lamenting the loss of community ties. “There was love and affection in the camp,” she said, “but not anymore because we are far from each other.”

Despite ongoing protests and appeals, few residents have been allowed to return to their homes. Nehaya has not seen her house since the evacuation, and reports from individuals who have entered the camp indicate that it has been rendered uninhabitable. As the situation evolves, the future remains uncertain for the tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians, who continue to seek a semblance of normalcy amidst ongoing turmoil.