Tulkarm: Israeli occupation forces have intensified their military operations in the city of Tulkarm and its refugee camp, marking the 22nd day of continued aggression, with operations in the Nour Shams camp ongoing for the ninth consecutive day.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Israeli forces have deployed military reinforcements, including heavy machinery and bulldozers, to the city and its camps, leading to widespread destruction and disruption.
The occupation forces have been extensively bulldozing streets in the eastern neighborhood of Tulkarm, particularly between Muqata'a Street and the Abu Safiya intersection, while causing significant damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and trees. Major entrances have been blocked with earth mounds, further isolating the area. In a recent escalation, the forces have imposed a tighter siege on the eastern neighborhood, preventing residents from leaving their homes and forcing shops to close. Residents are being detained, interrogated, and subjected to field abuse.
In the Tulkarm camp, reports indicate continuous bulldozing of streets and homes, with the Al-Samran neighborhood witnessing house fires, including the home of martyr Wassim Anbar. Eyewitnesses have reported increasing fear and panic among residents, especially in Al-Matar neighborhood, due to shortages of essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine. Attempts to leave or return to the camp are met with gunfire and drone surveillance by the occupation forces.
Eyewitness accounts describe systematic destruction within the camp, with homes being ransacked and contents discarded, including appliances and furniture. The situation in Nour Shams camp remains dire, with severe infrastructure damage from ongoing raids, home demolitions, and blocked entrances. The occupation forces are using live ammunition and conducting aerial surveillance, adding to the chaos.
A checkpoint set up on Nablus Street has further tightened the hold on Tulkarm and Nour Shams camps, with vehicles stopped, passengers interrogated, and some detained. Homes in the vicinity have been raided, with two seized and converted into military barracks.
Despite the aggression, relief efforts continue in Tulkarm, with authorities striving to deliver essential supplies to families trapped in Nour Shams camp. The Red Crescent has been active in evacuating elderly and sick residents to safer locations within the governorate.