JENIN, May 21, 2025 (WAFA) – A diplomatic delegation, including ambassadors and consuls from over 30 countries and international organizations, as well as foreign media representatives, visited the city and refugee camp of Jenin on Wednesday to assess the dire situation resulting from the ongoing Israeli military onslaught, now in its 121st consecutive day.
The delegation was received by Ambassador Ahmad al-Deek, Political Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mayor of Jenin Kamal Abu al-Rub, and other key officials.
During the visit, the delegation came under fire from Israeli military forces while attempting to observe the devastating impact on the camp. This alarming and unprecedented incident underscores the brutality of the occupation and its blatant disregard for international norms and humanitarian law.
The Governor of Jenin provided a detailed briefing to the delegation on the extent of Israeli violations in Jenin and its refugee camp. He emphasized that since 2023, Jenin has endured 16 Israeli incursions, with the current offensive being the most intense and destructive.
He also briefed them on the impact of these incursions, which have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, the demolition of hundreds of homes, and significant loss of life. Forty residents have been killed and 200 others wounded by Israeli gunfire.
The Governor further highlighted the mounting humanitarian crisis, with over 22,000 displaced individuals, including 17,000 from the Jenin refugee camp alone. He urged the international community to urgently intervene to halt the ongoing aggression.
He confirmed that the Palestinian government, under the guidance of the president, is working to secure support and assistance for the displaced and to develop a plan for their resettlement and reconstruction, in partnership with the private sector.
During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the economic consequences of the Israeli siege, particularly the closure of the Al-Jalama military checkpoint, which is considered the economic lifeline of the city of Jenin. Its prolonged closure has effectively paralyzed commercial activity in the city. Officials called for an immediate lifting of the siege and urgent support for the sectors most affected across the governorate.
A video prepared by the Jenin Municipality was presented to the delegation, documenting the extensive destruction inflicted on the city. The footage highlighted widespread damage to infrastructure and property, with direct financial losses estimated at 298 million shekels.
The delegation included ambassadors from Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the European Union, Portugal, China, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Turkey, Spain, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Japan, Romania, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Canada, India, Chile, France, and the United Kingdom, among other representatives from various countries.
T.R.
