In the early hours of a tense morning, Haleemeh Zawaydeh, a 63-year-old Palestinian matriarch, made a heart-wrenching decision to flee her home in Jenin. As Israeli snipers took positions in her neighborhood, the urgency to leave was palpable. With no time to pack, she and 14 family members embarked on a perilous journey on foot. This story is not unique to Zawaydeh; it echoes the plight of approximately 37,000 Palestinians displaced across the West Bank due to a month-long Israeli offensive targeting militant groups.
The Rapid Exodus from Jenin
The invasion of Jenin, as described by Zawaydeh, was swifter and more intense than previous Israeli assaults. The family’s sudden departure mirrors the broader displacement crisis unfolding in the West Bank. The United Nations estimates that nearly 37,000 individuals have been forced from their homes, seeking refuge and uncertain about their future.
The Impact on Refugee Camps
The brunt of the displacement has hit four refugee camps, which were originally established to shelter Palestinians displaced during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation. These camps have since evolved into densely populated neighborhoods and towns. However, the recent Israeli military operations have left these areas in ruins, with roads torn up, buildings destroyed, and essential services like water and electricity disrupted.
Israeli Defense Minister’s recent statement adds to the uncertainty, announcing that troops are preparing to stay in the area for a year and will prevent Palestinians from returning to their homes. This has left thousands in a precarious situation, many of whom are among the poorest in the West Bank, struggling to find temporary housing in nearby villages.
Life in Temporary Shelters
Zawaydeh, now sheltered outside Jenin, expresses a sense of safety but not ease. “I was born and raised in the camp, and now I have grown up and I still live in the camp,” she reflects. “There is no place that can replace the camp.” Her sentiment resonates with many displaced Palestinians who find themselves in temporary accommodations, ranging from university dorms to makeshift shelters.
The Struggle for Basic Needs
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has highlighted an “urgent need for cash assistance” to help 4,000 families meet their rent needs. The displacement has stretched resources thin, with the Palestinian Authority and the main U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) struggling to provide adequate support.
- Many families are renting temporary housing or staying with friends and family.
- Some are taking shelter in university dorms and makeshift shelters.
- The Palestinian Authority is financially strained, limiting its ability to help.
- UNRWA faces challenges due to new Israeli legislation restricting interaction with the agency.
The Historical Context of Displacement
The current displacement crisis is the largest in the West Bank since the 1967 war, when approximately 250,000 Palestinians were forced from the area. Roland Friedrich, UNRWA’s West Bank field director, notes that the scale of forced displacement seen now is unprecedented since that time.
The Israeli military’s recent actions follow a widespread crackdown on West Bank militants, initiated just days after a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. Operations in Jenin and other camps like Tulkarem, Far’a, and Nur Shams have been particularly intense, with the military engaging in fierce battles with Palestinian militants.
The Human Cost of Conflict
The displacement stirs painful memories of the 1948 war, during which around 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from or fled their homes in what is now Israel. International law prohibits forcible population transfers, and rights groups warn that such policies could constitute war crimes.
The situation in the West Bank mirrors actions taken in Gaza, where Israeli authorities have pushed for the permanent displacement of the population. This approach has raised concerns about the long-term implications for Palestinian communities.
The Devastation of Homes and Communities
In Nur Shams, a smaller refugee camp, displaced residents returned briefly to salvage possessions from homes marked for demolition. Mohammed Abdullah, a resident, used the opportunity to visit his son’s grave, who was killed during a previous incursion. “Every person has memories in his home, in his neighborhood, in the streets,” he laments as he packs up his family’s belongings.
The Extent of the Damage
The damage to the camps has been extensive. In Jenin, over 100 homes have been demolished, according to UNRWA’s Friedrich. In Tulkarem, the destruction includes about 100 housing units and at least 300 commercial shops, with at least 10 homes set on fire, as reported by the local Awda community center.
Seeking Refuge and Hope
Families have scattered among various shelters, including a charity for the blind in Jenin that has been converted into a refuge. Here, children play while their parents grapple with the uncertainty of their future. The charity relies on donations to provide basic necessities for its new residents.
Despite the challenges, many families attempt to return to their homes daily, only to be blocked by the military. Nazmi Turkman, who fled Jenin camp a month ago, describes the obstacles: “Every day, we try to go back to the camp, hoping to enter, but they prevent us. They’ve set up checkpoints, placed tanks, and stationed soldiers. Even drones are flying around the people.”
The Fight for the Right to Return
The Palestinian Authority has denounced the displacement, sending aid and funds to first responders. However, its capacity to help is limited by financial constraints and a lack of public trust, particularly in the refugee camps where it is seen as aligned with Israeli authorities.
Nabil Abu Redeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, warns that the situation could lead to further escalation, with repercussions felt throughout the region. UNRWA’s ability to coordinate evacuations and ascertain when people can return is also hampered by new Israeli laws banning interaction with the agency.
Outside Tulkarem camp, a small group of displaced men gathered with signs proclaiming “The right of return is sacred – No to displacement.” Nihad al-Shaweesh, head of a local political council for Nur Shams camp, emphasizes their determination: “We are here to tell the whole world and all parties that we will not accept displacement.”
The stories of Haleemeh Zawaydeh, Mohammed Abdullah, Nazmi Turkman, and many others highlight the human toll of the ongoing conflict in the West Bank. As they navigate the challenges of displacement, their resilience and hope for a return to their homes remain unwavering. The international community continues to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that brings peace and stability to the region.
Source: apnews.com