TULKARM, March 21, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces continue their wide-scale assault on the city of Tulkarm and its refugee camps for the 54th consecutive day, so far resulting in the demolition of dozens of homes and the displacement of nearly 24,000 Palestinian refugees.
Last night, Israeli forces raided three residential buildings in the northern neighborhood of Tulkarm. The buildings, named Al-Firdaws, Al-Sawsna, and Al-Hamdallah, were stormed by soldiers who forced the residents to vacate their homes within two hours, converting the buildings into military outposts.
Video footage captured the harrowing moments when residents, including women, children, and elderly individuals, were seen leaving their homes carrying some of their belongings. The families were forced out in the midst of rain and cold weather.
In a further escalation, Israeli forces intensified their assault in the Tulkarm refugee camp, specifically targeting the Al-Matar and Al-Hadaida neighborhoods. Soldiers raided homes and forcibly displaced the remaining residents, transforming the area into military positions, including sniper posts.
Israeli forces also occupied several empty houses, intensifying their tactics with the use of stun grenades and live fire to terrorize the remaining residents in the vicinity of the camp. Over the past few weeks, a significant exodus has taken place amod the Israeli onslaught, as more than 12,000 refugees have been displaced, leaving the camp nearly empty.
Meanwhile, the situation in Nour shams refugee camp to the east remains dire, as Israeli forces continue to tighten their siege on the camp. The military also demolished homes and buildings in the Al-Manshiya neighborhood, citing the need to establish new roads through the area. This destruction has led to widespread displacement, leaving the camp in ruins and further erasing its historical landmarks.
The Israeli military has also deployed additional forces to the city of Tulkarm, with armored vehicles patrolling the streets, disrupting traffic and restricting the movement of civilians.
These actions are part of a broader escalation that has already led to the killing of 13 Palestinians, including a child and two women—one of whom was pregnant. Dozens more have been injured, and many others have been detained. The military offensive has also resulted in the forced displacement of over 24,000 people from both Tulkarm and Nour Shams camps.
The destruction has extended beyond homes, with significant damage to infrastructure, businesses, and vehicles, including complete and partial demolitions, arson, and looting. The entrances to both camps have been blocked off with earth mounds, further isolating residents from any hope of escape or assistance.
M.N
