A new escalation that reflects the policy of collective punishment and the violation of international laws that protect the population under occupation, the Israeli occupation continues its intense military operations in the city of Jenin and its camp for the 38th day in a row, leaving behind extensive destruction and grave violations against civilians.
As a result of the ongoing siege and closure, particularly at the Jalameh military checkpoint, which caused total economic paralysis in the area and worsened the suffering of thousands of workers and students, these operations have so far resulted in the deaths of 27 Palestinians, the injuries of dozens, and economic losses estimated at 20 million shekels per day.
In a blatant attempt to enforce demographic shifts and strengthen control over the region, the occupation is excavating trenches three metres deep around the camp, and Jenin is witnessing systematic destruction operations that include the demolition of homes, the construction of military infrastructure, and the demolition of roads. Additionally, residents are being evicted by force, which is a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law, which forbids the eviction of civilians.
The occupation forces today measured the Palestinian victim Islam Khamisa’s home in anticipation of its demolition as part of this policy. This collective punitive action goes against all international laws that forbid the demolition of homes as a form of retaliation against the families of those who are accused or killed.
In an effort to conceal its atrocities from the world’s public, the occupation limits media coverage severely, prohibiting both domestic and foreign reporters from entering the camp to record the violations and devastation.
At the same time, there are still attacks on civilians. For example, last night, the occupation forces attacked Palestinian youths near the Yahya Ayyash roundabout while sending more military reinforcements, such as “Eitan” armoured vehicles and large military bulldozers, amid constant warplane flights.
In order to maintain a permanent military presence in the area, the occupation forces continue to take over civilian homes and convert them into military barracks, particularly in locations that overlook the camp.
Due to the extreme cold and the impending month of Ramadan, thousands of Palestinians who have been displaced are experiencing worsening humanitarian conditions as they struggle to get to their homes to get necessities.
As the siege continues, residential neighbourhoods are at risk of a serious water crisis due to the occupation’s targeting of water networks and infrastructure, which makes repairs more challenging and living conditions more challenging.
Given this escalation, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General called for an immediate end to Israeli aggression, stating that the West Bank has turned into a dangerous battlefield and emphasising that civilians are the ones most impacted by the war in Gaza.
Opening international investigations into the crimes committed in Jenin and guaranteeing international protection for civilians in the face of the occupation’s rapidly increasing violations are necessary to prevent these crimes from continuing.
