The ongoing conflict in the West Bank has escalated as Israeli forces expand their demolition operations against Palestinian refugee homes, particularly in Jenin. The situation has left many residents, including 66-year-old Jumaa Zawayda, grappling with the aftermath of this aggressive military strategy.
On a fateful night, as Israeli troops entered the densely populated Jenin refugee camp and ordered its 20,000 residents to evacuate, Jumaa made a courageous decision. Despite his family’s insistence on leaving, he resolved to stay behind, stating, “My family all left but I told them I had to stay, if Israeli forces come to raid our house I want to be there to stop it being damaged.”
The rising tide of displacements
What ensued was three harrowing days filled with the sounds of gunfire and explosions, as well as orders that Jumaa struggled to hear amidst the chaos. Eventually, with water and electricity cut off and his phone dead, he realized he could no longer remain in his home. Now, three months later, he stands on a hill overlooking his former neighborhood, uncertain of the fate that befell his home.
Facing a future of uncertainty, Jumaa recounts, “Some people have told me they think our building was demolished, but we don’t know for certain,” indicating the emotional turmoil that comes from the lack of information regarding the destruction of homes in the region. After being displaced, he found temporary shelter in a school with other residents and has since moved into student accommodations shared with his brother.
Prior to the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, Israel had already intensified its military campaign against Palestinian militant groups in the West Bank, operating in areas that are home to refugees displaced during the establishment of Israel in 1948. The Jenin camp is notably associated with factions like Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas, whose members have been involved in attacks against Israeli forces.
A humanitarian crisis unfolds
The numbers of fighters in Jenin camp are ambiguous, but local sources estimate there were around 150 prior to Israel’s intensified operations. As part of an ongoing crackdown, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled these camps as “nests of terror” and initiated a widespread demolition campaign. This led to a significant number of forced displacements, with the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency Unrwa estimating that over 42,000 Palestinians have been uprooted since January alone.
Furthermore, while Israeli officials claim that their military operations are necessary to root out militant threats, the humanitarian toll has been severe. Reports indicate that at least 260 buildings, accommodating approximately 800 apartments, have been destroyed under “Operation Iron Wall.” Meanwhile, Palestinian health officials have reported over 100 casualties since January.
Amidst these operations, Jumaa was briefly allowed to return to his home to collect essential items, managing to retrieve his family dog and his refugee identification card. However, when he later learned that his home was among the buildings scheduled for demolition, he expressed his anguish, asking, “Why did they demolish my house? I want to know. I want the Israeli army to give me justification. I had no links to militants. I’m a peaceful person.”
Despite the destruction of his home, Jumaa remains determined to reclaim his space. He asserted, “I won’t leave the camp. If they won’t let me rebuild my house, I will set up a tent in its place. Isn’t it enough that my family were displaced in 1948, now we must face displacement again?”
As the situation in the West Bank continues to evolve, the challenges faced by displaced Palestinians remain dire, with humanitarian organizations calling for urgent assistance and intervention. The conflict has not only led to physical destruction but has also generated a wave of despair among those who are left without homes and security.