The West Bank, currently under Israeli occupation, is experiencing a significant military operation that mirrors the devastation seen in Gaza. Neighborhoods have been left deserted, and homes have been reduced to rubble after being bulldozed.
This region, which has been a contentious point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since being captured in the 1967 war, is now facing a marked escalation that began in January. The current Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, is targeting extremist groups that have had control here via Palestinian authorities since the 1990s.
Since this operation started, over 100 militants have died and hundreds more have been arrested, but the impact on civilians has been severe. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been forced to evacuate, marking a staggering level of displacement compared to Israeli operations over the last six decades.
Jenin, a city once vibrant with over 10,000 residents, now stands abandoned. The streets are littered with debris, reflecting a markedly changed landscape from its former bustling self. Tulkarm, another city in the West Bank, faces a similar fate; Israeli forces recently announced intentions to demolish more homes, claiming it is necessary to enhance military access and counteract rising extremism.
“They’re taking away my future,” stated Muath Amarne, a 23-year-old college student, upon hearing that his family’s home would be destroyed.
This long-term operation marks a departure from previous short-term actions. Its prolonged presence has significantly weakened the Palestinian authorities, which have historically worked alongside Israel on security matters.
“We are at a turning point in the conflict,” remarked Mohamed Jala, the mayor of Jenin. “It seems that Israel acts as if the Palestinian authority does not exist.”
The ongoing destruction and forced displacement raise concerns about a “Second Nakba,” a reference to the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948 when Israel was established. An 83-year-old woman from Jenin Camp, Salema Al-Saadi, shared her fears, saying, “I’m worried that I won’t be able to return home as I did in 1948.”
In late February, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to prepare for a prolonged presence in Jenin and Tulkarm. If this occurs, it could shift how the already occupied West Bank is administered and may diminish an important symbol of Palestinian resistance.
Israeli authorities assert that their goal is to restore security by dismantling extremist infrastructures, such as tunnels and weapon factories. However, many Palestinians interpret this as an indication of Israel’s intent to annex the area.
Additionally, tensions are rising between Israel and UNRWA, the UN agency that supports Palestinian refugees. Local leaders report discussions by Israeli authorities about potentially removing UNRWA operations from Jenin.
