On Tuesday, Israeli occupation forces continue their escalating military offensive against Tulkarem city and its refugee camp, in the occupied West Bank’s northwestern part, now reaching day 142 of the offensive, and day 129 of the assault on Nur Shams refugee camp, marked by ongoing home demolitions.
Israeli bulldozers have been razing residential buildings in Tulkarm refugee camp for the 12th consecutive day, affecting Al-Balawna, Al-Akasha, An-Nadi, and As-Sawalma neighborhoods and surrounding areas, with buildings being leveled to the ground.
This destruction follows an Israeli plan to demolish 106 buildings across both Tulkarem and Nur Shams refugee camps, including 58 structures in Tulkarem, which housed over 250 residential units and numerous commercial establishments, while 48 buildings in Nur Shams have also been targeted, under the pretext of creating roads and altering the camps’ geographic landscape.
Ongoing Siege and Displacement
Israeli forces continue imposing a total siege on both refugee camps and surrounding areas, deploying infantry units and military vehicles in alleys, neighborhoods, and entry points, preventing residents from returning home, retrieving belongings, or assessing damage, while firing directly at anyone attempting to approach.
Earlier Tuesday, Israeli forces shot 55-year-old Ziad Shukri Al-Jallad from Tulkarem, targeting his leg as he moved through one of the city’s neighborhoods. Medical reports indicate that Al-Jallad has a disability.
Military vehicles have been operating across Tulkarem throughout the day, particularly in the central market area, near Thabet Thabet Government Hospital, Nablus Street, and the northern district, where Israeli troops deliberately obstruct civilian movement, blare sirens provocatively, and drive against traffic flow, endangering residents.
Military Escalation at Roadblocks
Israeli forces continue tightening restrictions at military roadblocks surrounding Tulkarem, setting up additional temporary barriers near Jabara Bridge at the southern entrance and Ennab military roadblock in the east, where Palestinian vehicles are stopped, searched, and passengers subjected to interrogations and lengthy delays, with many completely denied passage.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops have transformed Nablus Street into a military zone, illegally occupying multiple residential buildings and forcing residents to evacuate, particularly in the northern district facing Tulkarem refugee camp.
Some homes have remained under military control for over four months, with heavy machinery, armored vehicles, and bulldozers deployed around them.
Additionally, roadblocks and soil mounds placed by Israeli forces months ago have severely damaged the vital connection between Tulkarem and Nur Shams camps, while frequent sudden roadblocks continue to restrict vehicle movement and worsen civilian suffering.
Humanitarian Toll of the Ongoing Aggression
Since the beginning of this latest military campaign, Israeli forces have killed 13 Palestinians, including a child and two women, one of whom was eight months pregnant.
In addition, dozens of people have been injured and abducted, while widespread destruction has impacted infrastructure, homes, businesses, and vehicles.
The ongoing military offensive has forced more than 5,000 families to flee the refugee camps, displacing over 25,000 people. Meanwhile, at least 400 homes have been destroyed, with 2,573 others partially damaged, as camp entrances remain blocked, transforming the areas into near-abandoned zones.
