Israeli Forces Conduct Raids in Tulkarm Camp
On December 24, 2024, Israeli army forces conducted raids in the Tulkarm camp located in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of a boy and two women. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the fatalities included Khawla Abdo, aged 53, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the Israeli bombing. The ministry reported that Fathi Saeed Awda Salem, an 18-year-old, was critically injured by gunfire but was reportedly denied medical assistance as Israeli forces shot at ambulance crews attempting to reach him.
Destruction and Casualties Amid Ongoing Conflict
The raids not only resulted in loss of life but also significant destruction within the camp. Israeli bulldozers demolished infrastructure, including homes and shops, and damaged parts of the Al-Salam Mosque and the camp's water network. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society confirmed that its crews were engaged in rescue operations, with one individual in critical condition requiring CPR.
The situation in Tulkarm is part of a broader escalation in violence in the West Bank, where Israeli forces have intensified operations amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Reports indicate that since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023, over 826 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 6,500 injured in the West Bank alone. The Israeli army has described its actions as part of a 'counter-terrorism' operation, claiming to have killed a Palestinian and arrested 18 others during the Tulkarm raids.
Humanitarian Crisis and International Response
The humanitarian situation remains dire, with the Palestinian Ministry of Health reporting over 153,000 casualties in Gaza, including a significant number of women and children. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread destruction, famine, and a growing number of missing persons, with more than 11,000 unaccounted for. The international community continues to express concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis affecting civilians in both Gaza and the West Bank.
