Synopsis
On February 4, 2023, UNRWA expressed concerns that alarming incidents in the West Bank could jeopardize the ceasefire in Gaza, warning of potential escalation amidst ongoing violence and displacement of Palestinians.Key Takeaways
- UNRWA raises alarms over the situation in the West Bank.
- Israeli demolitions in Jenin camp endanger civilian lives.
- Palestinian presidency condemns Israel's actions.
- Operation “Iron Wall” targets militants in the West Bank.
- Over 9,000 residents displaced in Tulkarm camp.
Ramallah, Feb 4 (NationPress) The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) cautioned that the disturbing events occurring in the West Bank jeopardize the recently established ceasefire in Gaza and pose the threat of renewed violence.
In a statement to the press, UNRWA reported that a series of controlled explosions conducted by Israeli forces have resulted in the total devastation of extensive areas of the Jenin camp, highlighting that it had not been given any advance notice regarding the demolitions, thereby endangering civilian lives, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
“Inhabitants of the camp have faced unbearable circumstances, enduring nearly two months of relentless and escalating violence. Recently, the Jenin camp has become a deserted area,” it stated.
Earlier in the day, the Palestinian presidency denounced Israel's escalation of its “war” in the West Bank aimed at displacing Palestinians, warning of the dire consequences that could arise from such actions.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for the Palestinian presidency, cautioned that the ongoing Israeli “aggression” would inevitably lead to further escalation. He emphasized that the Palestinian populace would reject any proposal for displacement or an alternative homeland.
On January 21, the Israeli military initiated a security operation dubbed “Iron Wall” in Jenin and its refugee camp, along with other regions in the northern West Bank, claiming it was targeted at armed militants and aimed at dismantling “terrorist” infrastructure.
Since the operation began, 29 Palestinians have lost their lives, and residential structures in the Jenin and Tulkarm camps have been destroyed, according to Nabil Abu Rudeineh speaking to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.
Tulkarm Governor Abdullah Kamil declared in a press release on Monday that Israeli forces have forcibly displaced approximately 9,000 individuals, which constitutes over 75% of the population residing in the Tulkarm refugee camp.
The incursions in Jenin and surrounding areas in the northern West Bank occurred just two days after a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect in Gaza.
