Tulkarm: Israeli occupation forces on Wednesday continued their massive spree of home demolitions in the Nur Shams refugee camp, east of the occupied West Bank city of Tulkarm. According to a WAFA correspondent, the military aggression on Tulkarm city and its refugee camp has entered the 150th consecutive day, and Nur Shams has been under siege for the 137th consecutive day.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the occupation forces have been demolishing Palestinian houses and residential buildings in the refugee camp. Israeli army bulldozers have razed tracts of land and destroyed buildings in several neighborhoods, citing the need to open new roads and separate the neighborhoods.
The forces have imposed a tight siege on the camps and their surroundings. Infantry soldiers, armored bulldozers, and vehicles have been deployed extensively, preventing residents from accessing their homes and opening fire at those attempting to approach. Over the past two weeks, more than 50 residential buildings have been demolished, causing significant destruction to civilian infrastructure. This is part of a plan to alter the layout of Palestinian refugee camps in Jenin and Tulkarm, ongoing since late January.
The plan, announced on May 1, aims to transform the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps into neighborhoods within the cities. It includes demolishing 106 Palestinian-owned structures, comprising over 250 apartments and numerous commercial establishments.
Israeli army vehicles have been intercepting Palestinian vehicles, creating hazards for civilians, especially in Tulkarm's marketplace and Thannaba. Meanwhile, occupying forces have taken over residential buildings on Nablus Street and the city's northern neighborhood, using them as military and sniping posts. Earth mounds erected on Nablus Street have caused further obstruction to Palestinian movement, with soldiers setting up checkpoints and inspecting civilians.
The intensified military aggression on the northern West Bank refugee camps began on January 21, 2025, displacing over 40,000 Palestinians. The aggression on Tulkarm and Nur Shams has displaced over 5,000 families, affecting over 25,000 citizens. Total destruction has been inflicted on over 500 houses, with partial damage to 2,573 others, and the entrances to the camps remain blocked.
Throughout the aggression, Israel has killed 13 Palestinians, including a minor and two women, one of whom was pregnant, injured dozens, arrested hundreds, and caused near-total destruction in the areas.