The Israeli army has escalated its assault in the northern West Bank, launching an incursion into the Nur Shams refugee camp, located east of Tulkarem city.
Witnesses stated that Israeli forces forcibly displaced several families from their homes, turning their properties into military outposts.
The offensive involved a large contingent of Israeli troops, supported by bulldozers, which entered the camp and imposed a blockade.
Bulldozers were also reported to have begun demolishing the entrance to the al-Maslakh neighbourhood.
Tulkarem Governor Abdullah Kamil confirmed the raid and called for international intervention to halt what he described as unprecedented aggression.
Kamil added that emergency medical teams were being blocked from reaching injured civilians, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis.
Local activist Nihad Shawish reported that more than 150 families were displaced under threat of violence, with their homes repurposed as military positions.
Shawish further indicated that the camp is now encircled by Israeli forces, who deployed snipers throughout the area. Families were informed they would be prevented from returning for at least two weeks.
In response, the Israeli army stated that the operation targeted what it termed disruptive activities in the camp.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the military’s actions in the northern West Bank were focused on destroying infrastructure in refugee camps and preventing its return.
This expansion follows a broader Israeli military offensive that began on January 21 in Jenin, leading to the deaths of at least 25 people, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Further assaults continued in Tulkarem, Tammun, and the Far’a refugee camp in the following weeks.
The ongoing escalation comes despite an international outcry over Israel’s actions in Gaza, where a truce took effect on January 19 after nearly 48,200 Palestinian lives were lost, mostly women and children.
Israel also faces charges of war crimes and genocide concerning its actions in Gaza.
