Israel has begun demolishing large areas of the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, echoing tactics used in Gaza during a recent conflict. At least 40,000 Palestinians have left their homes since Israeli operations began, with many fearing a long-term displacement.
Israeli bulldozers have razed houses and infrastructure, while army engineering teams prepare for a prolonged stay by bringing in water tanks and generators. Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that the camps have been cleared “for the coming year” and residents will not be allowed to return.
The operation is part of a month-long campaign involving several brigades of Israeli troops backed by drones, helicopters, and heavy battle tanks. Palestinian officials say the real intention appears to be erasing the refugee camps and displacing their population.
UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma said refugees have the same status regardless of their physical location. However, many see an echo of US President Donald Trump’s 2018 call for Palestinians to be moved out of Gaza to make way for a US property development project.
Israeli hardliners have called repeatedly for Israel to annex the West Bank, but pressure is tempered by fears of losing economic and security ties with Arab states. The move has raised concerns about the potential erosion of Palestinian rights and statehood.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh demanded that the US administration force Israel to stop its aggression in the cities of the West Bank.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/west-bank-palestinians-fear-gaza-style-clearance-israel-squeezes-jenin-camp-2025-02-24