Israeli forces to maintain presence in evacuated West Bank camps

Israel on February 23rd announced that its military forces would maintain a presence in evacuated refugee camps in the occupied West Bank for “the coming year”, following the reported displacement of 40,000 Palestinians.

This large-scale displacement was triggered by an intensifying military operation targeting Palestinian militants, according to Al-Monitor via AFP.

The operation began in the northern West Bank last month just after a truce took effect in the Gaza Strip, a separate Palestinian territory. The Israeli offensive has progressively escalated, encompassing multiple refugee camps near the cities of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas.

Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed in a statement that three camps—Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams— no longer have any residents. He also said that he had told the military to get ready for a prolonged stay in the camps that have been “cleared” and “to prevent the return of residents and the resurgence of terrorism.”

The situation has seen a significant military buildup, including the first deployment of tanks in the West Bank since the end of the second Palestinian intifada in 2005. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a military ceremony, said that the deployment underscores Israel’s commitment to combating terrorism with all available means.

The offensive has reportedly led to the destruction of infrastructure and displacement of the civilian population, with Michael Horowitz, head of intelligence at security and risk management consultancy Le Beck International criticising the strategic utility of “using tanks in the West Bank at this stage.”

But Horowitz suggested that their presence would be useful if it served the purpose of sending a political message or solidifying control over areas targeted by Israel.

Amidst this backdrop, Jenin resident Fayez al-Sayyed from Jenin expressed his determination to remain in his homeland despite the ongoing hardships. He said: “We are here, and we will not leave our country.”

Al-Monitor via AFP