Report: Crisis in Jenin and Tulkarm—A Campaign of Displacement and Destruction
25 March, 2025
The year 2025 has witnessed an alarming escalation in violence and displacement in the northern West Bank, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarm. These two cities, which have long been at the heart of the Palestinian resistance, are now at the forefront of a humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli military operations. The ongoing campaign in these areas has resulted in the widespread displacement of Palestinian families, destruction of homes, and the targeting of essential civilian infrastructure. This report aims to shed light on the humanitarian impact of the 2025 campaign in Jenin and Tulkarm, focusing on the displacement crisis and the urgent need for international intervention.
Background of the 2025 Campaign
In 2025, Israeli forces launched an extensive military operation in the northern West Bank, specifically targeting the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm. The operation was described by Israeli officials as a counterterrorism campaign aimed at dismantling what they refer to as "militant strongholds" and preventing alleged attacks from Palestinian armed groups. These groups, often associated with factions like Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), have increasingly been accused by Israel of launching rockets and carrying out attacks on Israeli settlements and military targets. The Israeli government has framed the campaign as necessary for national security, claiming that these areas were used to plan and execute violence against Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, commented on the operation, stating:
"Our priority is to protect Israeli citizens and dismantle terrorist infrastructure in these areas. We cannot allow armed groups to freely operate within Palestinian cities, threatening both our people and the stability of the region."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, declaring:
"The security of the State of Israel is our top priority. We will take all necessary measures to defend our citizens from the constant threat of terror. Jenin and Tulkarm have become bases of terror, and our operation is designed to ensure their dismantling."
While the Israeli government justifies the operation with national security concerns, it has faced considerable international criticism due to the scale of the violence and its impact on civilians. The use of airstrikes, artillery bombardment, and ground troop incursions has left large portions of these cities in ruins. Reports from human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have condemned the disproportionate use of force and the targeting of civilian infrastructure, asserting that such actions violate international law and result in unnecessary harm to Palestinian civilians. The widespread destruction of homes, schools, medical facilities, and vital infrastructure has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in the West Bank.
Israeli military spokesperson, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari, provided further details, explaining:
"We are targeting operational cells, weapons depots, and commanders in these areas. This campaign will continue until we achieve the goal of neutralizing the threats and ensuring that terrorist operations are no longer able to function from these strongholds."
Displacement and Destruction in Jenin and Tulkarm
The 2025 military campaign in Jenin and Tulkarm has led to one of the most severe displacement crises in the West Bank in recent years. The sustained airstrikes, artillery bombardments, and ground incursions have resulted in the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, forcing thousands of Palestinian families to flee their homes. These operations, designed by Israel to dismantle what it describes as militant strongholds, have had devastating consequences for the local population. Entire neighbourhoods in both cities have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, leading to significant human suffering and displacement.
In Jenin Refugee Camp, which houses tens of thousands of people and was once known for its dense population and vibrant community, the scale of destruction is profound. Key areas in the camp, including residential blocks, markets, and places of worship, have been decimated during the ongoing military operation.
As buildings were rigged with explosives and demolished or targeted for demolition with military bulldozers, families were forced to leave their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs, joining thousands of others seeking shelter in makeshift accommodations provided by relatives, local charitable organisations, or municipalities. Many of these families now live in overcrowded conditions, often in nearby villages or temporary shelters that were already struggling with limited resources. With no access to their livelihoods and no safety to return to, their futures remain uncertain.
Similarly, in Tulkarm, the situation is equally dire. Widespread devastation, with homes, schools, and key infrastructure reduced to rubble. Residents have been forced to flee into neighbouring areas of the city and nearby villages that were already facing significant socio-economic challenges due to the ongoing occupation. The influx of displaced people has strained local resources, exacerbating the difficulties faced by both the displaced and the host communities.
For many displaced Palestinians, the loss of their homes is just the beginning of their suffering. The destruction of vital infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, and water supply systems, has disrupted nearly every aspect of daily life. Education for children has been severely impacted, as schools have either been destroyed or repurposed for emergency housing. Thousands of children, whose futures had already been uncertain due to the instability of living under occupation, now face even greater challenges in accessing an education.
Healthcare access has been equally disrupted. Many of the medical facilities in both Jenin and Tulkarm have been damaged or destroyed, leaving civilians with limited access to essential medical care. The emergency medical infrastructure, already stretched thin due to previous conflicts and the ongoing blockade, is now overwhelmed. Hospitals are facing shortages of medical supplies and equipment, while medical personnel are struggling to treat an influx of injured civilians, including many children. Health officials have raised concerns about the lack of sufficient resources to manage the growing number of casualties and the rising threat of disease due to the lack of sanitation and clean water.
The destruction of homes and infrastructure has also significantly disrupted access to basic utilities such as electricity, clean water, and sanitation. Without functioning water and sewage systems, the risk of waterborne diseases has skyrocketed, compounding the already dire health conditions in the region. In Jenin and Tulkarm, many residents now rely on makeshift water supplies from external sources, but these resources are often insufficient. The lack of proper sanitation, coupled with overcrowded living conditions, has created an environment conducive to the spread of diseases, further endangering vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly.
Additionally, the economic impact of the displacement is devastating. Many of those who have fled their homes were already struggling financially due to the broader economic constraints of life under occupation. Without their homes, jobs, and businesses, these individuals now face an uncertain future with little to no means of support. With limited access to humanitarian assistance, the displaced populations are at risk of falling into deeper poverty, unable to recover from the economic toll of the ongoing violence.
The displacement crisis in Jenin and Tulkarm has not only devastated the civilian population but has also created a ripple effect throughout the West Bank. As more families are displaced and resources become increasingly scarce, tensions rise between displaced individuals and host communities. The overcrowding in temporary shelters and nearby villages has further strained already fragile social structures, increasing the pressure on local communities that are themselves under significant strain from the ongoing conflict.
Impact on Civilians: Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian crisis in Jenin and Tulkarm is both immediate and long-term. The displaced populations face several critical challenges:
Shelter and Living Conditions
The displacement of thousands of families from Jenin and Tulkarm has left many without shelter, forcing them to seek refuge wherever they can. With entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble, many individuals and families are left without homes or secure places to live. In the absence of adequate temporary shelters, displaced families are crowding into schools, mosques, and the homes of relatives. These makeshift accommodations are woefully insufficient to meet the basic needs of large numbers of people. The overcrowded conditions exacerbate the already dire situation, making it difficult to ensure proper sanitation, privacy, or even the most basic form of security.
In many cases, displaced families are surviving on limited resources, with the supply of food, clean water, and basic necessities stretched thin. The local communities that have taken in these families are already struggling with their own resource limitations, further compounding the burden on them. Displaced families in Jenin and Tulkarm often report receiving aid only sporadically, making their survival dependent on ad hoc distributions that fail to meet even the most basic needs.
Healthcare: Restricted Access to Medical Services
Access to healthcare facilities in Jenin and Tulkarm has been severely impacted by the military campaign, leaving many civilians without access to critical medical services, further jeopardizing the lives of the displaced populations. With roads blocked by checkpoints or destroyed by military bulldozers, medical personnel have been unable to provide essential care to the injured and sick. In some cases, healthcare workers have themselves become targets of the occupation, further hindering healthcare provisions at a time when it is most needed.
The lack of access to emergency services and the inability to evacuate the sick and injured from the camps for proper treatment leave residents at risk of mortality, The most vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and infants, have suffered disproportionately.
The intentional destruction of water supply systems and sewage lines has led to a severe lack of sanitation, creating an environment conducive to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. With limited access to medical care, the ability to treat these diseases has been compromised, putting thousands of civilians at risk.
Psychological Impact: Trauma and Long-Term Mental Health Effects
The psychological toll on the civilian population in Jenin and Tulkarm is profound and long-lasting. Displacement, constant fear of military operations, and the devastation of their communities have left many civilians traumatized. For children, in particular, the emotional and developmental impacts are severe. Many children have witnessed the death and/or detention of family members, the destruction of their homes, and the loss of their schools and neighbourhoods. The psychological scars left by such experiences are likely to have a lifelong impact.
Children, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of trauma, are experiencing significant emotional distress. Many have been exposed to violence, loss, and uncertainty, which can stunt their psychological development. Psychological assessments of displaced children reveal high levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These children often experience nightmares, flashbacks, and a sense of constant fear, which can lead to long-term behavioural and emotional problems.
Moreover, the displacement has led to the loss of routine and stability, which are crucial for the well-being of children. Schools, which once provided not only education but also a sense of normalcy and safety, have been destroyed or repurposed for emergency housing. For many children, the ability to access an education has been severely hindered, leading to developmental delays and long-term effects on their future prospects.
For adults, the constant fear of violence and loss, coupled with the uncertainty about the future, has contributed to widespread mental health issues. The lack of proper mental health care services and support mechanisms in the midst of the crisis has left many individuals without the resources to process their trauma or receive treatment. The situation is exacerbated by the overwhelming stress of surviving in overcrowded conditions, without adequate access to healthcare, employment, or other basic needs.
The psychological strain on displaced families is compounded by the broader effects of the ongoing conflict. Many people feel a sense of helplessness and despair, believing that their situation will never improve.
Long-Term Consequences of Displacement
The long-term consequences of displacement in Jenin and Tulkarm are far-reaching and complex. The humanitarian crisis created by the 2025 military campaign has left deep scars on the affected population, and the implications of these displacements will be felt for many years to come. The following sections delve into the profound long-term consequences faced by those displaced from their homes and communities.
Chronic Trauma
The psychological impact of the displacement in Jenin and Tulkarm is perhaps one of the most profound and enduring effects of the conflict. For many displaced individuals, particularly children, the trauma of losing their homes, witnessing violence, and experiencing fear and uncertainty has left lasting emotional scars. The sudden and violent disruption of their lives has resulted in widespread psychological distress, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and grief.
Children, who are still in the developmental stages of their emotional and psychological growth, are particularly vulnerable to these effects. Many have lost family members, seen their homes destroyed, and been forced to leave behind their schools and communities. As a result, they are experiencing long-term emotional challenges, including difficulty processing grief, anxiety about their future, and a loss of the sense of safety and security that is critical for healthy development.
For adults, the trauma of displacement is compounded by the uncertainty of their future. The sense of loss—of home, livelihood, and community—has resulted in pervasive feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and despair. Many have witnessed or experienced violence first-hand, and the psychological toll of these experiences will continue to affect them for years. The lack of accessible mental health services only exacerbates the situation, as individuals struggle to cope with their trauma without professional support.
Economic Hardship
The economic consequences of displacement in Jenin and Tulkarm are devastating and will have a lasting impact on the affected populations. For many displaced families, the loss of their homes and businesses has pushed them into extreme poverty. The destruction of homes, agricultural land, and small businesses has eliminated many people's primary sources of income. With limited opportunities for employment in their new locations and the collapse of local economies in the wake of the conflict, displaced families are facing a future of economic uncertainty.
Many families are now entirely dependent on humanitarian aid for their survival, with little hope of rebuilding their livelihoods in the short or medium term. The scarcity of resources in host communities, combined with the overwhelming number of displaced people, has made it difficult for aid organizations to meet the growing demand for food, water, and shelter.
The lack of economic opportunities and the absence of long-term reconstruction efforts will continue to hinder the ability of displaced individuals to rebuild their lives. Without sustainable income sources or the ability to access education and vocational training, future generations will face significant challenges in overcoming the economic hardship that has been thrust upon them.
Social Fragmentation
The displacement in Jenin and Tulkarm has also caused profound social fragmentation. Families that were once part of tight-knit communities have been scattered across different areas, both within the West Bank and into neighboring regions. In many cases, displaced families are separated from extended relatives, friends, and neighbors, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The loss of social support networks—critical for emotional and practical support during times of crisis—has left many individuals vulnerable and without the resources they once relied upon.
In some instances, the destruction of entire neighborhoods has resulted in the disintegration of longstanding social structures. The displacement has affected not only the physical fabric of these communities but also their sense of identity and cohesion. Communities that once shared common cultural practices, traditions, and mutual support systems now find themselves scattered and disconnected, struggling to maintain their sense of community in the face of overwhelming loss.
This social fragmentation also has broader implications for the community’s resilience. The inability to draw on social networks in times of need, coupled with the loss of familiar structures and support systems, further deepens the sense of despair and vulnerability among the displaced population. Rebuilding these social ties and networks will be an essential part of the long-term recovery process, but this will take time and considerable effort from both local and international actors.
The Long-Term Outlook
The long-term consequences of displacement in Jenin and Tulkarm are profound and multifaceted and will take years, if not decades, to overcome. While international aid and support will be essential in addressing the immediate needs of the displaced populations, the long-term recovery process will require a concerted effort to rebuild homes, businesses, and communities. Equally important will be addressing the mental health needs of the affected populations, especially children and those who have suffered trauma.
Economic recovery will depend on the restoration of livelihoods and the creation of sustainable opportunities for employment and education. It will also require efforts to rebuild the local infrastructure and ensure access to healthcare, education, and basic services for those who have been displaced.
Perhaps most importantly, addressing the social fragmentation caused by displacement will be key to the long-term recovery of Jenin and Tulkarm. Rebuilding communities, restoring social support systems, and helping displaced individuals reconnect with their cultural roots and identities will be crucial to restoring a sense of belonging and hope for the future.
A Call to Action: The Urgent Need for International Intervention
In light of the devastating situation in Jenin and Tulkarm, the international community must step forward with urgent and decisive action. The ongoing military operations, widespread displacement, and humanitarian crisis have left countless lives in peril, and immediate intervention is critical to prevent further suffering. The following recommendations outline key actions that must be taken to address both the immediate and long-term needs of the displaced populations and those affected by the conflict.
Immediate Ceasefire
The first and most immediate step to address the crisis is a comprehensive ceasefire. The continuation of military operations has led to an ever-deepening humanitarian catastrophe, with thousands of civilians killed or injured and entire communities reduced to rubble. The devastating toll of the violence, particularly on children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations, must be halted.
A ceasefire would provide a critical window of opportunity for humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving aid and allow medical teams to provide care for the wounded. Without a halt to the violence, the situation will only worsen, leading to further loss of life and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The ceasefire would create space for diplomatic negotiations and discussions aimed at securing a lasting peace.
International actors, particularly the United Nations and regional powers, should urgently work to broker a ceasefire agreement between the relevant parties, ensuring that humanitarian access is guaranteed and that civilians are protected from further harm.
Humanitarian Corridors
The establishment of secure humanitarian corridors is essential for the safe delivery of aid to those in need. With infrastructure heavily damaged and roads either blocked or destroyed, it is nearly impossible for aid organizations to reach affected populations without international intervention. Humanitarian corridors would provide a lifeline, allowing essential supplies such as food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter materials to reach the displaced and injured.
These corridors must be safeguarded by international peacekeepers or monitored by neutral third-party actors to ensure that aid can flow unhindered and that no further harm is inflicted on civilians. Humanitarian organizations must also be given free access to provide aid and conduct assessments of the needs on the ground.
In addition to humanitarian aid, these corridors could be used for the evacuation of the sick and wounded, ensuring that critical medical care can be provided to those who need it most. Establishing these pathways is a vital step to prevent the further loss of life and provide displaced populations with the assistance they need to survive.
Medical Evacuation and Trauma Care
Mobile medical clinics should be established to reach displaced populations in refugee camps and shelters. These clinics should be staffed with trained professionals, including trauma surgeons, emergency doctors, and mental health specialists, to provide comprehensive care, including surgery, wound treatment, and psychological support for survivors of the violence.
In addition to emergency medical services, there should be a focus on rebuilding the local healthcare infrastructure. International organizations, in coordination with local authorities, should provide financial and logistical support to help restore hospitals, clinics, and medical supply chains, ensuring that the communities can access care in the long term.
Psychosocial care is also crucial. Many displaced individuals have suffered trauma not only from physical injury but also from witnessing violence, the loss of loved ones, and the destruction of their homes. Trauma counselling and mental health support should be prioritized, particularly for children and those who have lost family members in the conflict.
Support for Displaced Children
Among the most vulnerable victims of this crisis are the displaced children of Jenin and Tulkarm. These children face immediate risks to their safety and well-being, and the long-term effects of trauma can hinder their development for years to come. The international community must prioritize the provision of education and psychosocial support to ensure that displaced children can recover from the psychological impacts of their experiences and continue their education despite the ongoing crisis.
Efforts should be made to establish temporary schooling arrangements for displaced children in safe spaces. These schools can provide a sense of normalcy and stability, offering children the opportunity to learn, socialize, and regain some sense of hope for the future. Additionally, children should have access to recreational and therapeutic activities that help them process their emotions and heal from the trauma they have experienced.
Psychosocial programs should be designed to help children cope with the grief and loss they have suffered. These programs can be integrated into educational activities or provided separately, with professional counsellors available to support children’s mental health. Special attention must also be given to orphans, who may require additional protection and support services to ensure their safety and well-being.
International Financial Support and Solidarity
In addition to immediate humanitarian action, long-term financial support is necessary to rebuild the shattered communities of Jenin and Tulkarm. The international community must provide funding for reconstruction efforts, including the rebuilding of homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. Financial assistance should also be directed toward providing displaced families with access to basic services, such as clean water, electricity, and sanitation.
International donors, NGOs, and governments should work together to create a fund for long-term recovery and development in the West Bank. This fund should support the efforts of local communities to rebuild their lives, providing grants and low-interest loans to businesses and families to help them re-establish their livelihoods.
Furthermore, international organizations should advocate for international protection for displaced Palestinians, ensuring that their rights are upheld and that they are not further subjected to displacement or abuse. This may involve pushing for a formal recognition of their status as refugees under international law and providing them with legal support to secure their rights in host countries.
A Unified Call for Action
The situation in Jenin and Tulkarm requires immediate and sustained international attention and intervention. A concerted, unified effort from the global community can provide life-saving aid, support long-term recovery, and help prevent further suffering. As the world watches the tragedy unfold, it is imperative that all parties involved prioritize the safety and dignity of the civilian population.
The recommendations outlined here are essential to mitigating the immediate impact of the ongoing conflict while laying the groundwork for long-term peace and recovery. The international community has a moral responsibility to act now, before more lives are lost and more communities are torn apart. The displaced populations of Jenin and Tulkarm are in dire need of help, and the time to act is now.
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