Jerusalem: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that approximately 40,000 residents have been displaced from refugee camps in the northern West Bank by Israeli military forces. The agency highlighted that the forced displacement of Palestinian communities is increasing at a significant rate.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the displacement operations, which began in Jenin camp and lasted for about three weeks, are now the longest in the West Bank since the Second Intifada. These operations have since expanded to include Tulkarm, Nur Shams, and Fara'a camps.
The agency confirmed that thousands of Palestinian families have been forcibly displaced since the Israeli forces started large-scale operations in the West Bank in mid-2023. These operations have rendered the northern refugee camps uninhabitable.
UNRWA noted that over 60% of the displacement in 2024 resulted from the occupation's incursions. The forced displacement is largely due to a dangerous and coercive environment, marked by the use of airstrikes, armored bulldozers, controlled explosions, and advanced weapons by the occupation forces. This is seen as an extension of the conflict in Gaza, where at least 38 airstrikes occurred in 2025 alone.
The agency emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, condemning collective punishment as unacceptable. It highlighted that Jenin camp is now devoid of residents, reminiscent of the Second Intifada, and warned that similar scenes may unfold in other camps.
UNRWA also indicated that the current situation endangers the lives of refugees and its staff who are providing services. Despite the challenges, the United Nations and its partners continue to support Palestinians affected by the ongoing aggression in Jenin. The World Food Program and its partners have offered cash assistance to approximately 1,200 families.