Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from refugee camps in the West Bank by Israeli military operations, with ongoing demolitions preventing their return and prompting allegations of war crimes from human rights organizations.
In late January 2025, the Israeli military launched “Operation Iron Wall,” targeting the Nur Shams, Jenin, and Tulkarm refugee camps in the northern West Bank. The operation involved troops, armor, and bulldozers entering the camps, leading to the evacuation of approximately 32,000 residents. Many fled under duress, with reports of power and water cuts and continuous gunfire creating a climate of fear. The displacement marks the largest in the West Bank since Israel’s occupation in 1967, according to human rights monitors.
Personal accounts from displaced individuals highlight the human toll. Nehaya al-Jundi, a 54-year-old from Nur Shams, described a panicked escape with her family after being besieged in their home for days. Similarly, Nidal Abu Nase from Jenin camp recounted leaving with only clothes, expecting a quick return that never materialized. These stories underscore the sudden and traumatic nature of the displacement, with families losing homes and possessions in the chaos.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) justify the operations as necessary to combat terrorist elements, citing a decrease in terror alerts by up to 80% since the start. Demolitions were carried out to create new access routes for military vehicles, with the IDF stating they acted based on operational necessity and proportionality. However, residents were not offered shelter or humanitarian assistance, forcing them to rely on relatives or charities for survival.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report on November 20, 2025, alleging that the forcible displacement and associated destruction constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report, based on interviews, satellite imagery, and military documents, claims that Israel’s actions violate international humanitarian law, which prohibits displacement except for imperative military reasons. HRW has called for investigations into senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Despite the passage of months, the displaced Palestinians remain in limbo, with very few allowed to return. Satellite images show extensive damage, with over 850 homes and buildings destroyed across the camps. The IDF continues to be deployed inside the camps, and demolitions persist, suggesting long-term strategic goals to reshape the area. This has left residents uncertain about their future, with many living in temporary accommodations.
The camps, established in the 1950s for refugees from the 1948 war, have strong communal bonds that have been fractured by the displacement. Education has been severely impacted, as UNRWA schools in the camps are non-operational, and many residents are out of work, dependent on aid from the Palestinian Authority and NGOs. The psychological and social impacts are profound, with families scattered and livelihoods disrupted, eroding the cultural identity of the communities.
The ongoing situation raises questions about the future of the West Bank and the rights of Palestinians under occupation. International attention has been largely focused on Gaza, but human rights groups urge action to address these alleged violations. With no clear timeline for return, the displaced face an uncertain future, highlighting broader tensions in the region and the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
