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Palestinian Arabs

Israeli Military's "Operation Iron Wall" Displaces Tens of Thousands of Palestinians

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Israeli military's "Operation Iron Wall" has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians in the Nur Shams and Tulkarem refugee camps. Since January, the operation has resulted in over 32,000 residents being forcibly displaced, according to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). The Israeli army has designated both camps as closed military areas, and anyone entering them risks being shot. Palestinian families have submitted over 400 requests to Israel to retrieve their belongings from their homes, but none have been approved.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli military's "Operation Iron Wall" has displaced over 32,000 Palestinians in the Nur Shams and Tulkarem refugee camps since January.
  • The Israeli army has designated both camps as closed military areas, making it impossible for residents to return to their homes.
  • Palestinian families have submitted over 400 requests to Israel to retrieve their belongings from their homes, but none have been approved.
  • The Israeli military has intensified its efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians, using bulldozers, arson, and sniper fire.
  • The operation has led to the destruction of hundreds of homes in the camps and adjoining neighborhoods.
  • Critics argue that the Israeli military's actions amount to a form of collective punishment, targeting entire communities.
  • The operation has also led to the displacement of critical infrastructure, including water and electricity networks.
  • The Israeli high court has rejected petitions to stop the demolitions, citing "overriding security considerations."

Statistics:

  • 32,000 Palestinians forcibly displaced since January (UNRWA)
  • 400+ requests made by Palestinian families to retrieve belongings from their homes (UNRWA)
  • 104 residential buildings, comprising 400 homes, facing demolition in Tulkarem (Adalah)
  • 162 buildings demolished in Tulkarem, including residential ones (Adalah)
  • 130 members of 17 families taking shelter in a government-run school-turned refugee camp (Al Jazeera)
  • 78 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Jenin and Tulkarem since the start of the year (AP Photo)

Sources:

  • Al Jazeera
  • United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA)
  • Adalah (Israel-based legal centre for Arab minority rights)
  • Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies
  • Malcolm H Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center
  • Israel's High Court
  • AP Photo (Leo Correa)

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