• Israeli military operations have demolished hundreds of buildings in West Bank refugee camps, displacing an estimated 42,000 Palestinians since January.
• The Israeli military claims the demolitions are necessary for security, while Palestinians and aid organizations describe them as collective punishment and a humanitarian crisis.
• The UN's Unrwa reports the demolitions are the most extensive since 1967, raising concerns about the long-term impact on displaced residents and the stability of the region.

Israeli forces have intensified operations in West Bank refugee camps, particularly in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams, resulting in widespread demolitions and displacement of Palestinian residents. These operations, which Israel describes as targeting armed groups, have led to the destruction of homes and infrastructure. The UN and aid agencies have criticized the scale of the demolitions and the resulting humanitarian crisis, while Palestinians express despair over the loss of their homes and the disruption of their lives.

• What: Israeli military operations involving building demolitions in West Bank refugee camps, particularly in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams.
• Who: Israeli military, Palestinian residents, Palestinian armed groups (affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas), UNRWA, Palestinian Authority, municipality workers.
• When: Operations have been ongoing since January 2024, with increased intensity in recent months. One specific operation was to occur on May 1st, with 106 buildings planned for demolition in 24 hours.
• Where: Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams refugee camps in the northern West Bank.

The demolitions in West Bank refugee camps represent a significant escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel claims these operations are necessary to combat terrorism, but critics argue that they constitute collective punishment and violate international law. The scale of displacement, as reported by UNRWA, is unprecedented since 1967, raising serious concerns about the humanitarian consequences and the potential for further instability in the region. The differing narratives from the Israeli military and Palestinian residents highlight the deep divisions and lack of trust between the two sides.

"Israel's goal is to try to make Jenin camp totally unfit to live in, and I'm telling you it has now become completely unliveable."

"In terms of the number of displaced people and the level of destruction, we've never seen anything like it since 1967,"

"Why did they demolish my house? I want to know. I want the Israeli army to give me justification. I had no links to militants. I'm a peaceful person,"

The ongoing demolitions in West Bank refugee camps have created a dire humanitarian situation, displacing tens of thousands of Palestinians and exacerbating tensions in the region. While Israel defends its actions as necessary for security, the international community is increasingly concerned about the scale of destruction and the impact on civilian populations. The future remains uncertain for displaced residents, many of whom have vowed to return to their homes despite the destruction.