UN warns over forced displacement of 33,000 Palestinians in West Bank

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned that the displacement of residents from Jenin, Nur Shams, and Tulkarm camps in the West Bank by Israeli forces amounts to collective punishment, raising concerns about possible crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

In a report released today, the office said that Operation “Iron Wall” has forcibly displaced more than 33,000 Palestinians, killed 102 people—including 21 children—and destroyed hundreds of homes, damaged infrastructure, cut off water and electricity, and blocked humanitarian aid.

The report noted that Israeli forces used airstrikes, drones, and shelling, resulting in the deaths and injuries of unarmed individuals who, according to the UN, posed no apparent threat.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the manner in which the operation was carried out suggests its aim was to displace as many Palestinians as possible and clear the way for further illegal settlements. He called on Israel to halt forced displacement and end its occupation of Palestinian land.

According to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), around 33,362 Palestinian refugees from these camps remained forcibly displaced as of July this year.