The West Bank: Five Children Reported Killed during Israeli Security Forces’ Operation on Refugee Camp in the North – UNRWA Press Release

From Adam Bouloukos, Director of UNRWA in the West Bank (including East Jerusalem)  

EAST JERUSALEM,

“An Israeli Security Forces’ operation including airstrikes that lasted 28 hours in the Nur Shams refugee camp. At least 13 Palestinians were reported killed, including five children. UNRWA was forced to suspend services including schools, health and solid waste collection.  

“According to reports, one Israeli soldier was also killed, and scores of others were injured.  

“Initial assessments indicate that nearly 50 homes were damaged, some severely, while roads, electricity, water, internet and sewage networks in the camp were impacted. UNRWA received reports that several homes were used for military purposes, exposing the residents to significant danger.  

“These latest events are emblematic of the continued escalation risking the lives of Palestine Refugees in camps across the West Bank. This recent operation is the largest since Jenin in July this year.  

“This year already recorded over 270 Palestinians killed in the West Bank, 20 per cent of whom were children, and over half of whom were refugees. This figure represents the highest number killed in a single year since we routinely started collecting the data in 2012. 

“These latest events in Nur Shams camp are likely to further inflame already heightened tensions given the conflict in Gaza. At least 82 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank alone only since 7 October”.