TULKARM, February 14, 2025 (WAFA) – The Israeli military assault on the city of Tulkarm and its refugee camps has entered its 19th day, with the siege on Nour Shams refugee camp now in its sixth day. The ongoing offensive has been marked by home raids, forced displacement, and widespread arrests.
According to WAFA correspondent, Israeli forces deployed additional military reinforcements to the city and its refugee camps overnight, accompanied by intensive drone surveillance. Soldiers raided several homes in the eastern and western neighborhoods, vandalizing property and subjecting residents to identity checks and field interrogations.
Meantime, Israeli forces continue to occupy residential buildings in the eastern neighborhood, particularly those near Tulkarm refugee camp, turning them into military outposts. Residents remain under strict confinement, unable to leave their homes to access basic necessities.
After midnight, Israeli soldiers were heavily deployed throughout the city, particularly in the market area and near Al-Alemi Roundabout, conducting extensive searches and patrols. Meanwhile, military vehicles stormed the eastern suburb of Dhanaba, raiding homes and interrogating residents.
The siege on Tulkarm and Nour Shams refugee camps has transformed them into military zones, with Israeli forces seizing homes and residential buildings, forcibly evicting families despite the harsh winter conditions.
The assault has inflicted severe damage to infrastructure and private property. In Nour Shams camp, Israeli bulldozers demolished multiple homes in the Al-Manshiya neighborhood amid heavy explosions and live gunfire, targeting anything in motion. The destruction has triggered mass displacement, with families fleeing to different parts of the city and surrounding towns.
Israeli troops have also pursued residents attempting to return to their homes in both camps, using live ammunition and sound bombs to intimidate them while detaining several individuals. Eyewitnesses told WAFA that Israeli forces have ordered families not to return until further notice.
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, residents trapped on the outskirts of Tulkarm refugee camp—particularly in the Hadayda, Al-Matar, Al-Muqata’a, Qaqoun, and Abu Al-Foul neighborhoods—have issued urgent pleas for help. They remain under a strict blockade with no access to electricity, water, food, or medical supplies.
Residents describe living in constant fear as Israeli soldiers fire live rounds and explosives at homes, even those still occupied by families with children. With essential services cut off, the situation in the besieged areas continues to deteriorate.
M.N
