The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) continue to intensify its aggression on the West Bank, particularly Jenin and Tulkarm and their camps. The aggression on Jenin entered its 33rd day, while the siege and attacks on Tulkarm and Nour Shams camp continued for the 27th day. The ongoing attacks left behind widespread destruction and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians from their homes due to the intensified bombing and systematic sabotage.
In Jenin, the IOF deployed massive military reinforcements accompanied by bulldozers, armoured vehicles, water tanks and fortified rooms, as its forces carried out extensive destruction operations inside the camp, thus causing a significant change in its geographical features.
They did not only destroy the infrastructure, but also Palestinian homes, many of which were seized and turned into military barracks, turning the lives of the residents almost impossible due to the siege and destruction.
This aggression has displaced about 3,000 families, amidst the escalation of violence and the direct targeting of civilians. The latest victim was the 13-year-old girl, Rimas Al-Amouri, who was killed by the occupation forces while standing in front of her house.
The death toll of Palestinian in Jenin has risen to 27, in addition to dozens of wounded and arrested.
In Tulkarm, the occupation continues its aggression and besieging the city and its two camps. It imposed a tight security cordon for more than 14 days. This aggression has resulted in the displacement of more than 16,000 Palestinians, in one of the largest forced displacement in the West Bank in recent years.
The ongoing bombing and raids have also caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and the interruption of electricity, water and communications in many areas, which has exacerbated the suffering of the besieged population.
The aggression resulted in the killing of 12 Palestinians, including a seven-year-old child, and two women, one of whom was eight months pregnant. The latest of the victims was Ahmed Awad, who was killed after an Israeli military vehicle hit his car.
The crimes of the Israeli occupation in the West Bank constitute a flagrant violation of international law, as Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits the forcible transfer of population under any circumstances, and Article 53 of the same convention prohibits the destruction or seizure of private property unless it is absolutely necessary for military operations. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court also classifies forced displacement and direct targeting of civilians as war crimes, which makes Israeli crimes in the West Bank subject to international accountability.
The occupation continues its aggression without any legal accountability despite repeated international warnings, and it also provides protection to settlers who launch daily attacks on Palestinians. Reports have confirmed the existence of field coordination between the occupation forces and settlers during the implementation of attacks. The United Nations has documented the continued attacks by settlers at a rate of five attacks per day over the past week, which led to further displacement and destruction in large areas of the West Bank.
Given these continued crimes, human rights demands are increasing for the international community to take action to put an end to the occupation’s aggression and provide urgent protection for the Palestinians, with calls to open an international investigation to hold the Israeli occupation accountable for its illegal practices.
The absence of deterrent measures by the international community has allowed the occupation to continue its aggression, leaving thousands of Palestinians facing the risk of displacement and losing their homes and lives without any serious action by the international community.
