Tens of thousands of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank fled Israeli military operations, sparking the largest displacement since the 1967 Mideast war. The recent crackdown on militants has pushed deeper into several towns, scattering families and stirring bitter memories.
Israeli forces descended on the restive city of Jenin after announcing a widespread crackdown against West Bank militants on January 21. The move came just two days after Israel’s ceasefire deal with Hamas in Gaza. Unlike past operations, Israeli forces then pushed deeper into nearby towns like Tulkarem, Far’a, and Nur Shams, scattering families and stirring memories of the 1948 war.
“This is our nakba,” said Abed Sabagh, a 53-year-old resident of Nur Shams camp, where he was born. “We’ve fled before, but this time it’s worse.”
Humanitarian officials say they haven’t seen such displacement in the West Bank since the 1967 Mideast war. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes, with many more displaced.
Volunteers are providing aid and shelter to families fleeing Nur Shams and Tulkarem. Residents of nearby towns like Anabta are opening their homes to accommodate those in need.
However, many residents, including Ahmad Sobuh, a resident of Far’a refugee camp, have chosen not to flee due to the destruction caused by Israeli forces. They scavenged rainwater to drink and hunkered down in their homes, but ultimately had to leave when soldiers threatened to blow up their second floor.
The Israeli army has described its ongoing campaign as a crucial counterterrorism effort to prevent attacks like October 7. However, many residents have reported finding destroyed homes and vandalized property upon their return.
“It’s like they want us to feel that we’re never safe,” said Doha Abu Dgheish, a resident of Far’a who returned home after Israeli troops withdrew. “That we have no control.”
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/thousands-of-palestinians-flee-west-bank-homes-as-israel-confronts-militants