In a scene that recalls the wreckage that followed the conflict in Gaza, Israeli bulldozers demolished once-thriving alleyways of the refugee camp of Jenin and paved them with broad roadsides. This follows after it has been reported that forces of engineering prepare a permanent stay of the military that has placed thousands of Palestinians at the threat of eviction that will last a lifetime.
At least 40,000 people from Jenin and the nearby city of Tulkarm in the northern occupied West Bank have been forced to flee their homes since Israel launched its latest offensive—a move that came just one day after reaching a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza. The timing has drawn sharp criticism, particularly given the humanitarian toll inflicted during what many describe as a genocidal campaign lasting over 15 months.
“Jenin is a repeat of what happened in Jabalia,” said Basheer Matahen, spokesperson for the Jenin Municipality, referring to the refugee camp in northern Gaza that was emptied by Israeli forces earlier this year. The camp has become uninhabitable. There were about 12 bulldozers at least that were busy razing houses and infrastructure in the camp, Matahen informed. Once full of life, the Jenin refugee camp was populated by descendants of Palestinians displaced during the Nakba, the fateful events of 1948 when hundreds of thousands were evicted from their lands following the birth of the state of Israel. Now mostly deserted, Jenin largely remains in ruins, and its narrow streets have become all but recognizable beneath the rubble and debris.
Witnesses have reported that Israeli army engineers have set a water tank, power generators, and other supplies on the plot assigned for the army, covering almost an acre. This preparation indicates plans for an extended period of military operations, similar to operations previously executed in Gaza, where such acts operated to pave the way for prolonged occupation.
A Prolonged Stay
On Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz gave orders to troops to prepare for “a prolonged stay” in the occupied West Bank. He added, in a statement that reverberated throughout Palestinian communities, that camps cleared will remain so “for the coming year,” effectively barring residents from returning and rebuilding their lives.
Human rights organizations together with local leaders have voiced their strong opposition to the announcement which predicts terrible outcomes for people being displaced. With winter approaching, thousands face uncertainty about shelter, food, and basic necessities. dospired families are moving into overcrowded shelter facilities alongside relatives due to their displacement situation which weakens available resources for everyone.
These actions breach both international law and they create more regional tension in this unstable region according to critics. Under international humanitarian standards the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure together with mandatory displacement of civilians stands as widespread violations. These continue to persist openly in front of global observers yet provide no immediate rescue opportunities.
Jenin residents suffer enduring mental and physical pain because their community endures ongoing pain after the tragic losses caused by occupation. People witness their neighborhoods being altered by bulldozers while doubting if anyone will pay attention to their voices outside the occupied territory.
Israel defends its military operations as anti-militancy measures but critics argue that the overwhelming destruction of civilians demonstrates Israel’s true motive which includes both aggression against the land and population engineering design. The people of Jenin observe helplessly as their historical legacy together with their future gets destroyed by unceasing machinery operations.
