The ongoing humanitarian situation in the West Bank continues to raise significant concerns, particularly in areas such as Hebron and the northern regions. Roland Friedrich, the West Bank director for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), highlighted the troubling parallels between the current circumstances in Hebron and the mass displacements experienced during Israel’s military operations, which commenced in early 2025. The military actions have notably affected numerous Palestinian refugee camps, including Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams, displacing over 34,000 individuals.

Since the onset of the military campaign dubbed “Iron Wall” in January 2025, which resulted in the demolition of more than half of the residential buildings within these camps, the humanitarian crisis has deepened. Notably, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has documented significant destruction, with 1,399 buildings being demolished between 2009 and October 2026 in the Jenin and Tulkarem governorates alone. This data reflects only a fraction of the actual devastation, focusing primarily on demolitions linked to permit issues or punitive measures rather than the extensive damage inflicted during military operations.

Further investigation conducted by the research organization Forensic Architecture has unveiled evidence of systematic destruction within these areas. Their findings indicate over 200 instances where structures have been deliberately demolished. Inspections revealed that military tactics similar to those used in Gaza are being employed in the occupied West Bank, including the use of armored bulldozers and aerial attacks to clear pathways for military vehicles.

Israeli officials have made statements suggesting that towns like Tulkarem and Jenin may soon resemble some of the most devastated areas in Gaza, such as Jabalia and Shujayea. Recent military actions have further exacerbated the situation, with forces detaining individuals and converting civilian homes into military installations, notably in regions like Burin and Hebron.

Moreover, an entire village near Jenin has been ordered to evacuate permanently. This has left residents, such as farmer Jabri Yahya, grappling with the loss of their homes and livelihoods, as their agricultural ties to the land are severed. The situation remains precarious, with uncertainty looming over the future of these communities.

As the international community watches the developments unfold, the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution in the region has never been more urgent. Humanitarian agencies continue to call for sustained efforts to address the plight of those affected by conflict, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.

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