UNRWA Commissioner-General: 60 days to the start of Operation “Iron Wall” in Jenin camp

From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

Today marks 60 days since the Israeli Forces launched operation ‘Iron Wall’ in Jenin Camp – by far the longest and most destructive operation in the occupied West Bank since the second intifada in the 2000’s.

Tens of thousands of residents from Jenin, Tulkarm, Nur Shams, and El Far’a refugee camps have been displaced, with uncertain prospects for return amid statements from the Israeli Forces on their intentions to stay in the area in the foreseeable future.

The ongoing Israeli Forces operations has caused systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure and homes, aiming to permanently change the character of Palestinian cities and refugee camps at a scale unjustifiable by any purported military or law enforcement aims.

Just this week, the Israeli authorities issued demolition orders for another 66 buildings in Jenin Camp, on top of dozens of houses already destroyed there by the Israeli Forces.

Such large-scale, militarized operations cannot become the new norm in the West Bank. This trend of escalating violence – which started even before 7 October 2023 – must be reversed.

Several red lines have already been crossed, violating principles of international law that always emphasise the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, and private property including homes.

UNRWA teams are supporting displaced communities with emergency assistance.

Families must be able to return to their homes, and UNRWA services in the camp restored including education and healthcare.

#WestBank