TULKARM, May 20, 2025 (WAFA) – The Israeli occupation forces continue their tight siege of the Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps, accompanied by occasional gunfire and explosions.
This comes as the aggression enters its 114th day, amidst ongoing escalation on the ground and military reinforcements.
WAFA correspondent reported that the occupation forces are preventing residents from returning to their homes, from which they were forcibly displaced, to check on them or retrieve what remains of their belongings. More than 4,200 families from the two camps, with over 25,000 residents, have been forcibly displaced.
As the escalation continues, occupation forces have completely destroyed more than 400 homes and partially destroyed 2,573 others. They have also sealed off the entrances and alleys of the two camps with earth mounds, transforming them into isolated areas almost devoid of life.
WAFA correspondent reported that the occupation forces are deploying military reinforcements around the clock, patrolling the main streets and neighborhoods, amid provocative use of vehicle horns, driving against traffic, and frequent sudden checkpoints, particularly in the city center, Nablus Street, and the Shuweika Roundabout in the northern neighborhood.
The two camps are witnessing a heavy deployment of occupation forces, who have transformed a number of homes into military positions and sniper positions, amid heavy gunfire and the pursuit of anyone attempting to enter the camp or approach their homes.
Nour Shams camp has witnessed a demolition campaign of residential buildings in its main neighborhoods, affecting more than 20 buildings, including apartments, and damaging adjacent buildings. This is part of the occupation's plan to demolish 106 buildings in the Tulkarm and Nour Shams camps to open roads and alter their geographical features.
In a related development, Israeli occupation forces stormed the Aktaba suburb east of the city at dawn today, deploying along its main and side streets. Israeli soldiers then arrested freed prisoner Saad Othman Bseis after raiding his home.
On Nablus Street and the adjacent northern neighborhood, Israeli occupation forces continue to seize several buildings and residential homes after forcibly evacuating their residents and converting them into military barracks. Some of these buildings have remained under Israeli control for more than two months.
The ongoing aggression has resulted in the killing of 13 citizens, including a child and two women, one of whom was eight months pregnant. Dozens of injuries and arrests have also been reported, along with widespread destruction of infrastructure, homes, shops, and vehicles, which have been subjected to demolitions, arson, looting, and theft.
