The situation in the Nour Shams camp in Tulkarm, West Bank, has escalated dramatically, with the Israeli occupation forces implementing a strict siege and establishing checkpoints that have led to the arrest of numerous residents. Reports indicate that the Israeli army had initially suggested a voluntary evacuation for residents, but many have interpreted this as a tactic to displace them from their homes. Tulkarm Governor Mustafa Taqatqa highlighted that the Israeli forces have conducted over 35 raids in the area since October 7, aiming to create unbearable living conditions for the residents of the camp. The siege has also severely hindered medical assistance, with ambulance crews being blocked from entering and treating the wounded, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the occupation forces have been conducting field investigations and interrogations at the checkpoints, with many residents being forcibly removed from their homes. A young man reported that around 70 men were interrogated and subsequently barred from returning to the camp. This has raised concerns about the Israeli military's strategy, which seems aimed at instilling fear and forcing residents to abandon their homes. Despite the pressure, many residents remain resolute in their decision not to leave, fearing that doing so would mean never returning.
The Palestinian leadership has raised alarms about the situation, calling on the international community to intervene and halt the aggressions against Palestinian camps and cities. The ongoing military operations, referred to by the Israeli army as 'summer camps,' have intensified fears of displacement among the residents. Local leaders emphasize that the residents will not succumb to the intimidation tactics employed by the occupation forces, reiterating their commitment to remain in their homes despite the dire circumstances.
- The Nour Shams camp, home to approximately 14,500 residents, is currently facing a humanitarian crisis as basic necessities are being destroyed and access to medical care is severely restricted. Paramedic Tawfiq Qanuh expressed the challenges of coordinating medical assistance amidst the ongoing military operations, highlighting the increased obstruction faced by ambulance crews this time compared to previous raids.
- Local leaders and residents are voicing their determination to resist the pressures to evacuate, understanding that leaving could lead to permanent displacement. The sentiment among many is that the current situation mirrors previous tactics used in Gaza, where residents were forcibly displaced under the guise of safety corridors. The community is committed to standing firm in the face of adversity, emphasizing their right to remain in their homes.
