In the wake of Israeli Security Forces (ISF) conducting controlled detonations at the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, destroying large areas in a matter of seconds, UNRWA stated that they were not given any prior warning of the explosions. The lack of communication between staff and Israeli authorities has put civilian lives at risk.
‘A ghost town’
UNRWA described the residents of the camp as having endured nearly two months of continuous and escalating violence, resulting in Jenin becoming a desolate ghost town. The operations by Israeli and Palestinian security forces have forced thousands of residents to leave the camp with nowhere to return and stripped them of the essentials for life.
On a day that was meant to mark the start of the new school semester for many children, 13 schools in the northern West Bank remained closed due to ISF operations in the area.
Ceasefire undermined
UNRWA’s services within Jenin camp have been disrupted for months and completely ceased in early December. The agency expressed concern that the distressing events in the West Bank could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire achieved in Gaza, potentially leading to a new round of hostilities.
The temporary truce and hostage release agreement’s initial phase began two weeks ago, following 15 months of conflict that claimed the lives of around 46,000 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza health authorities. The conflict was ignited by Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023, resulting in 1,200 casualties and 250 individuals being taken captive.
In October 2024, the Israeli parliament passed legislation prohibiting UNRWA operations within its borders and forbidding any contact between Israeli authorities and the agency, effective as of last Thursday.
