Demolitions Escalate in Jenin Camp: 93 Buildings Marked for Destruction

Watan-The Israeli occupation forces have intensified their attacks on Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, aiming to forcibly displace its residents. Following a full evacuation of the camp, the Israeli military governor ordered the demolition of approximately 93 buildings in various areas, including Al-Faluja, Al-Hawashin, Al-Olub, and the vicinity of Abdullah Azzam Mosque.

Shorouq Rahhal, a resident of Al-Faluja, said Israeli forces marked threatened homes in red on distributed maps, preparing for demolition. She learned about the demolition order through Israeli maps on social media rather than an official notice. Displaced for nearly two months with her two children, she has been unable to return home. “I left without my university certificates, health insurance, or even clothes for my children,” she said.

The Jenin camp’s popular committee called on affected homeowners to submit identification documents and home locations for coordination with Israeli authorities to retrieve belongings. However, Rahhal and others have not been allowed back, and the area remains dangerous due to Israeli military presence. Many families remain uncertain about whether their homes are still standing or have been destroyed.

Jenin’s municipal authorities have petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court to halt the demolitions, with a response expected soon. According to Mayor Mohammad Jarar, the occupation is using military action as part of a broader political plan to erase the refugee issue rather than for security reasons. He reported that 21,000 people have been displaced, including 15,000 from Jenin camp and 6,000 from surrounding neighborhoods, facing dire humanitarian conditions.

A media committee statement said Israeli forces continue their aggression for the 59th consecutive day, burning homes, converting others into military outposts, and blocking roads to Jenin Governmental Hospital. Israeli bulldozers have destroyed all streets inside the camp and 80% of roads in the city, displacing 3,200 households. The assault has caused severe economic decline and rising poverty, with 36 Palestinians killed so far.