Israel expels residents of three West Bank refugee camps

Israel is intensifying its month-long military operation in the occupied West Bank, having already displaced residents from three refugee camps. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the three refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams are now "empty," and Israeli forces will occupy these areas for the next year. This operation has sparked widespread international concern and condemnation.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it has deployed a tank division around the city of Jenin, marking the first such action since 2002. The Palestinian Authority condemned the move, arguing that it will further escalate regional tensions. The United Nations stated earlier this month that the Israeli operation, which began on January 21 and has intensified in recent days, has resulted in 40,000 people being "forcibly displaced."

Israel Katz said in a statement: "So far, 40,000 Palestinians have been evacuated from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams, and these refugee camps are now empty." He also stated: "I have instructed [the forces] to prepare for a long-term deployment of one year in the cleared camps to prevent residents from returning and terrorism from resurfacing." Katz further indicated that Israel has instructed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to cease operations in the area.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, described the decision to deploy tanks as "a dangerous Israeli escalation that will not bring stability or calm." The IDF said in a statement that its forces are "continuing to conduct operations to thwart terrorism" and are expanding their "offensive activities," which to date have involved drones, tanks, special forces, border police, and agents from the Shin Bet intelligence agency.

The United Nations stated on Thursday that since Israel began its operation on January 21, 51 Palestinians have been killed in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas provinces, including seven children, while three Israeli soldiers have also died. The attacks have also caused severe damage to water and sanitation infrastructure, leaving "tens of thousands of people" without access to water. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inspected the Tulkarm refugee camp on Friday and ordered the army to intensify "operational activities." Netanyahu said: "We are entering terrorist strongholds, leveling entire streets and their homes used by terrorists. We are eliminating terrorists, commanders."

Netanyahu's visit followed three bus explosions in Tel Aviv, which Israeli officials described as a "suspected terrorist attack" caused by a type of bomb previously found in the West Bank. Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War and has since built approximately 160 settlements, housing around 700,000 Jewish settlers. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, a view disputed by Israel.