Israeli Forces Escalate Assault on Tulkarm and Nur Shams, Widening Destruction and Displacement
On the 14th day of the Israeli military assault, forces expand operations into Nur Shams, impose a siege, demolish infrastructure, and forcibly displace residents under harsh conditions.
Watan-The Israeli occupation’s aggression against the city of Tulkarm and its refugee camp has entered its 14th day, with Israeli forces expanding their assault to include the Nur Shams camp east of the city. This dangerous escalation has resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure and forced residents to leave their homes.
According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, citing its correspondent, Israeli forces deployed large military reinforcements, including heavy machinery and bulldozers, into the Nur Shams camp early Sunday morning. They carried out raids on dozens of homes in the surrounding area amid heavy gunfire and loud explosions, while reconnaissance drones hovered at low altitudes.
The report added that Israeli forces imposed a complete siege on the camp from all directions after seizing residential buildings in the Thannaba suburb, the employee housing complex in the Iktaba suburb, and the adjacent Salam neighborhood. Residents were expelled from these areas, their vehicle keys confiscated, and they were forced to leave the city on foot in freezing and perilous conditions. The seized buildings were turned into military barracks and sniper positions.
Eyewitnesses told the Palestinian news agency that Israeli forces raided homes in the Jabal Al-Nasr and Jabal Al-Salihin neighborhoods of the camp, forcing residents at gunpoint to evacuate toward the town of Kafr Al-Labad. These areas were also turned into military outposts, and a curfew was imposed.
Israeli bulldozers began demolishing Nablus Street, which runs along the camp’s entrances, starting from Martyr Saif Abu Labda Roundabout and the Harat Al-Maslakh street. They also destroyed already damaged infrastructure from previous incursions and deliberately disrupted internet networks in the area.
The Red Crescent Society in Tulkarm reported that Israeli forces prevented its medical teams from entering the camp despite receiving reports of injuries.
Israeli forces arrested several citizens in the Iktaba suburb after raiding homes, including Mohammad Sleit, and Mohammad and Abdullah Kamal Qarawi.
In Tulkarm refugee camp, Israeli forces continue to deploy large numbers of infantry throughout its neighborhoods and alleys, raiding homes that are now mostly empty and destroyed after their residents were expelled. They continue to seize tall buildings, converting them into sniper positions and firing live ammunition indiscriminately.
Infantry units have also spread along Nablus Street, adjacent to the entrances of the Tulkarm refugee camp, conducting searches in agricultural lands, homes, and facilities. Additionally, Israeli forces have seized a residential building in the area, turning it into a military barracks and a sniper post.
In Tulkarm city, Israeli forces have tightened restrictions in the eastern neighborhood, raiding dozens of homes—particularly in Harat Diab, Harat Al-Maslakh, and Harat Al-Muqata’a—where they conducted searches, ransacked belongings, verified residents’ identities, and confiscated surveillance camera records.
The siege on Martyr Thabet Thabet Governmental Hospital continues, with soldiers stationed at its two gates, obstructing the work of ambulances and medical staff. Meanwhile, Israeli forces still occupy the surrounding commercial buildings.
Furthermore, late last night, Israeli forces closed the Jabara Bridge checkpoint at Tulkarm’s southern entrance, preventing vehicles from entering or leaving the city.
