In a continuing escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces have carried out multiple simultaneous explosions in the Jenin refugee camp, leading to widespread destruction and displacement.

Reports indicate that at least 20 homes in a single neighborhood have been destroyed in the latest attack, with the total death toll among Palestinians rising to at least 27.

A Relentless Military Assault

For the past two weeks, Israel has been conducting a large-scale military offensive in the occupied West Bank, with Jenin being the focal point of the operation. According to local residents, the Israeli army has been systematically demolishing houses, streets, and infrastructure, turning large portions of the refugee camp into rubble.

Ahmed Tobasi, a Jenin resident, described the situation on the ground:

“The Israeli army invaded Jenin camp almost 12 days ago, and they have been demolishing houses, burning buildings, and displacing people ever since. Today alone, they destroyed 20 homes in one neighborhood. The camp is no longer livable.”

Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing offensive has displaced thousands of Palestinian residents, with many families forced to flee their homes. According to Tobasi, the objective of the Israeli military appears to be erasing the refugee camp entirely, eradicating its identity, and making life uninhabitable for its residents.

The attack has also devastated local infrastructure. Hospitals have suffered severe damage, with water supplies being cut off, leaving medical facilities struggling to operate. A mosque has also reportedly been destroyed as part of the large-scale assault.

Israel’s Justification and Palestinian Response

Israeli officials claim the operation targets what they refer to as “terrorist infrastructure.” However, residents of Jenin reject this narrative, emphasizing that the destruction is indiscriminate and primarily affects civilians.

Tobasi dismissed the Israeli justification, stating:

“I was born and raised in Jenin. The Israeli army does not need an excuse to destroy our homes. This is an ongoing plan to eliminate the Palestinian refugee presence and silence our right to return.”

The Israeli military initially ordered mass evacuations, with reports stating that 15,000 people have been forcibly displaced. Despite this, an Israeli government spokesperson later denied issuing such orders, contradicting documented evidence of military personnel instructing residents to leave under threat of death.

Sealed Off and Trapped

Jenin refugee camp is currently sealed off, preventing movement in and out. Thousands of displaced people are left without shelter, while others risk their lives trying to return for basic necessities. Reports indicate that an elderly man was killed by an Israeli sniper while attempting to check on his home.

The International Community’s Response

Despite the severity of the situation, there has been limited intervention from international bodies. Palestinians continue to demand accountability, questioning the United Nations and Palestinian Authority about their plans to address the growing humanitarian crisis.

As the destruction in Jenin mirrors scenes from northern Gaza, the world watches as yet another Palestinian community faces displacement, devastation, and uncertainty about its future.

The question remains: who will take responsibility for the thousands of families left homeless, and how will they survive amid the ongoing military assault?