TULKAREM, February 19, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation bulldozers continued on Wednesday evening the demolition of Palestinian residents’ homes in Tulkarem refugee camp, as part of an ongoing aggression that has targeted the camp for the past 23 consecutive days.
Eyewitnesses reported that large Israeli forces, accompanied by military vehicles and bulldozers, continued their onslaught on homes in the camp. This came after the occupation authorities issued demolition notices yesterday against 14 homes, under the pretext of opening a road extending from the UNRWA area to the Al Balawneh neighborhood.
According to local sources, residents were given only two hours to leave their homes before the demolition began. Families were seen rushing to gather their belongings, leaving behind their partially destroyed homes in shock and grief, as Israeli forces surrounded the area, deploying foot patrols throughout the camp's alleys and taking over several homes, turning them into military outposts.
Since yesterday morning, the occupation forces have completely demolished seven homes across the neighborhoods of Al Balawneh, Al-Shuhada, UNRWA and Al-Khadamat. In addition, forces destroyed critical infrastructure, including water, electricity, sewage and communication networks.
The Popular Committee for Tulkarem refugee camp stated in a press release that the Israeli occupation continues to burn and demolish homes for the 24th consecutive day. The committee confirmed that 50 homes have been completely destroyed, and 90% of the camp’s residents have been forcibly displaced due to the ongoing military aggression.
It further noted that the Israeli occupation has mapped out homes designated for demolition to pave new roads through the camp. Due to the densely packed construction, most houses adjacent to the demolition sites have sustained damage. The decision to open a road through the center of the camp is expected to result in the destruction and damage of thousands of homes.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued deploying foot and vehicle patrols in the alleys of Nur Shams refugee camp, which has been under strict military siege for 11 days. The occupation has intensified raids, particularly in the Al-Manshiyya neighborhood, turning homes into military outposts and carrying out large-scale explosions inside the camp.
Israeli infantry forces were heavily deployed throughout the city, setting up military checkpoints at key intersections. Soldiers stopped vehicles, searched them, checked passengers' IDs, and harassed young men.
Israeli forces continued seizing several homes in the city, turning them into military outposts and sniper positions while imposing a tight siege. Residents were prevented from moving freely and were subjected to interrogations and assaults. Meanwhile, the occupation took control of two homes near the Tulkarem refugee camp amid a heavy military deployment in the surrounding area.
T.R.
