Israeli occupation forces have continued their invasions and destruction on Tulkarem and its refugee camp for the 137th consecutive day, and on Nur Shams refugee camp for the 124th day, escalating military offensive with widespread demolitions of residential buildings and arson targeting properties.
Israeli reinforcements, accompanied by a heavy bulldozer, entered Tulkarem through the “Netsani Oz” roadblock west of the city.
Military vehicles and ground troops spread through the main streets, neighborhoods, and markets, obstructing civilian movement and disrupting traffic by blaring sirens and driving against the flow of vehicles.
Overnight, Israeli forces set fire to storage facilities and commercial shops belonging to the Fra’atawi family on Nablus Street, near the edge of Tulkarem refugee camp. The flames spread to a nearby house that had been used as a military outpost in recent months.
The fire engulfed the building and adjacent commercial properties, continuing into the early hours of the morning. Firefighting crews from Tulkarem, Anabta, and Deir al-Ghusoun battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control.
The flames destroyed stock in the commercial storage areas and damaged the second floor of the building, leaving the family with severe financial losses and eliminating their primary source of income.
According to the Fra’atawi family, Israeli forces had forcibly evicted them from their home and shops at gunpoint nearly four months ago, converting the property into a military base. As the forces withdrew the previous evening, they deliberately set fire to the structure, burning everything inside.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops continue to occupy multiple residential buildings on Nablus Street and in northern Tulkarem, particularly those facing the refugee camp.
These properties, emptied under forced evictions, have been repurposed as military outposts, with some remaining under occupation for over four months. Heavy machinery, including military vehicles and bulldozers, surrounds these locations.
Nablus Street, which connects the Tulkarem and Nur Shams refugee camps, remains heavily obstructed by military barriers erected months ago. The presence of Israeli troops, who routinely set up temporary roadblocks, has severely disrupted movement, worsening conditions for residents.
Israeli bulldozers have been demolishing residential structures inside Tulkarem refugee camp for seven consecutive days as part of a plan to destroy 106 buildings between the two camps.
At least 58 buildings have already been razed in Tulkarem refugee camp, particularly in the Balawna and Akasha neighborhoods, impacting over 250 residential units and dozens of commercial establishments.
The Israeli occupation military continues to enforce a strict siege on both refugee camps, blocking access to streets and alleys, preventing residents from returning to their homes, and firing at anyone attempting to approach.
In recent days, Nur Shams refugee camp has witnessed large-scale demolitions, with more than 20 homes destroyed as part of Israel’s broader plan to level 48 structures in the camp. Officials said the demolitions aim to clear pathways and reshape the geographical layout of the camps.
Israeli forces tightened their grip on Ennab military checkpoint east of Tulkarem, preventing vehicles from leaving the city while subjecting inbound cars to thorough identity checks and prolonged detentions.
Separately, Israeli forces abducted injured Palestinian youth Mohammad Jaber from Nur Shams refugee camp at Jabara military roadblock south of the city.
Jaber, who lost a leg due to an Israeli airstrike on the camp in 2023, was abducted while passing through the roadblock.
Additionally, former prisoner Eid Mohammad al-Eid (Bawaqna) from the town of Zeita, north of Tulkarem, was abducted at Ennab roadblock while returning from the Hajj pilgrimage. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Since the beginning of this military offensive in Tulkarem, Israeli attacks have killed 13 civilians, including a child and two women, one of whom was eight months pregnant. Scores have been injured, with widespread destruction affecting infrastructure, homes, businesses, and vehicles.
The latest figures indicate that more than 5,000 families, over 25,000 individuals, have been displaced from both refugee camps due to the ongoing escalation. At least 400 homes have been destroyed, while 2,573 others have sustained partial damage. The continued closure of refugee camp entrances has turned these areas into near ghost towns.
