TULKARM, January 30, 2025 (WAFA) – Hundreds of residents have been forcibly displaced from the Tulkarm refugee camp as Israeli occupation forces continue their military offensive, pushing deeper into the area with additional reinforcements of heavy machinery and bulldozers. 

The ongoing assault has left infrastructure in ruins and forced families, including the elderly, women, and children, to flee their homes under dire humanitarian conditions.

According to local reports, Israeli forces have occupied high-rise buildings in and around the camp, stationing snipers on rooftops after expelling residents. The military has also carried out house demolitions, blocked entrances with earth mounds, and trapped civilians inside their homes amid widespread gunfire and explosions.

Residents, particularly from neighborhoods such as Al-Akasha, Al-Ghanem, Al-Nadi, and Al-Matar, have been ordered to leave. Many have sought refuge in surrounding areas, including Iktaba, Al-Rashid in Dhanaba, Al-Izba, and Shweika. 

The displacement has exacerbated already severe humanitarian needs, with shortages of food, drinking water, and medical supplies, especially for children and the elderly.

Faissal Salama, head of the Popular Committee for Tulkarm Camp Services, described the situation as catastrophic. “Thousands of people have been forcibly removed from their homes and are now scattered across the city,” he said, adding that Israeli forces continue to destroy infrastructure and civilian property.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society is assisting displaced residents, transporting elderly individuals, women, and children to temporary shelters, including Al-Rawdah Mosque in western Tulkarm. 

However, Red Crescent official Manal Al-Hafi warned of mounting challenges. “We receive countless distress calls from trapped residents, particularly those in need of medical evacuation,” she said. “The destruction of roads and Israeli restrictions make it nearly impossible for our teams to reach all affected areas.”

M.N