Jenin: The Israeli military is preparing to demolish 66 Palestinian homes in the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, an official said Wednesday.
According to Anadolu Agency, “The occupation forces have issued a notice of their intention to demolish 66 homes in Jenin camp within the next 24 hours,” Bashir Matahin, Jenin municipality’s public relations officer, stated. He mentioned that the Israeli army has prevented displaced homeowners from returning to retrieve their belongings before their houses are demolished.
Matahin further explained that an Israeli military map ‘marked in red highlights the homes set for destruction under the pretext of widening roads, establishing an emergency office, and creating service facilities for companies brought in by the occupation to construct new roads over the ruins of Palestinian homes.’ He expressed concerns that the occupation intends to remain for a long time, noting that around 600 homes have already been rendered uninhabitable and there are indications that the occupation aims to reduce the camp’s population to fewer than 5,000 residents.
The Israeli army has been conducting a military offensive in the northern West Bank since January 21, resulting in the deaths of over 70 Palestinians and the displacement of thousands. This offensive coincides with renewed airstrikes on Gaza, which began on Tuesday, killing at least 436 people, injuring hundreds, and disrupting a ceasefire deal with the Palestinian group Hamas that had been in effect since January.
Tensions remain high across the occupied West Bank, where at least 937 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,000 injured in attacks by the Israeli army and settlers since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023, as reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry.