“Homes are being demolished and burnt, and anyone moving is being shot at”: MAP condemns forced displacement of Palestinians from Jenin refugee camp

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) strongly condemns the ongoing Israeli military invasion of Jenin refugee camp, which has led to the forced displacement of over 20,000 residents, widespread destruction, and attacks against civilians and healthcare facilities.  

The significant escalation of violence in Jenin is part of Israel’s “Iron Wall” campaign, marked by raids, drone strikes, and the demolition of homes. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israeli forces have killed at least 16 Palestinians in and around Jenin since the invasion began nine days ago. 

Dr Wisam Baker, Head of Jenin Hospital, highlighted the dire conditions faced by medical staff and patients: “Israeli forces are still present near the hospital. Entry and exit from the hospital are only allowed via ambulances, and the IDs of medical staff are always checked during shift changes. The only means of movement we have is through ambulances. However, the number of patients is limited to around 60. Very few people are coming due to the risk of being stopped, searched, or delayed by Israeli forces.” 

In addition to the healthcare challenges, Israeli forces have also destroyed water pipelines, leaving Jenin Hospital reliant on temporary water tankers. Electricity and communications were recently restored after days of disruption, but resources remain dangerously low, with fuel and water supplies only sufficient for a short time. 

Farha Abul Heija, Director of the Not to Forget Association, MAP’s partner in Jenin, said: “The situation is extremely difficult and heartbreaking. All the residents of the camp have been forcibly displaced and expelled from the camp. Homes are being demolished and burnt, and anyone moving is being shot at. They’ve been dropping leaflets from drones, entering houses, and if there were people who hadn’t left yet, they would send a drone into the house, ordering them to leave within 10 or 20 minutes. The camp is now empty, except for the army, which is burning houses, demolishing homes, and destroying infrastructure.” 

Aseel Baidoun, MAP’s Senior Advocacy and Campaigns Manager, said: "The reports we are hearing from doctors in Jenin are similar to the ones we used to hear from North Gaza. The Israeli army is attacking and systematically obstructing medical teams, besieging hospitals, forcing people to flee their homes, and eradicating the resources needed to sustain life. All these violations need to end and be met with adequate accountability." 

MAP urgently calls on the international community to demand an end to these attacks, ensure the protection of civilians, and take action to hold Israel accountable to its obligations as an occupying power under international law. Immediate measures must be taken to end the obstruction of access to and from Jenin Hospital, facilitate humanitarian access, and provide displaced families with the support they need. 

MAP has been upscaling its emergency response in the West Bank. Prior to the escalation of Israeli military violence, MAP delivered food supplies to our partner, Not to Forget Association, which have been critical in providing immediate assistance to displaced families and children. These supplies included food packages, which have already been distributed to those in desperate need. On Wednesday 28 January, we also delivered emergency medical supplies to Jenin Hospital, from the pre-prepositioned supplies in our warehouse. 

Please consider donating to support our emergency response in the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon.  

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Photo: Palestinians displaced by an Israeli military operation evacuate the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank carrying their belongings on Thursday 23 January 2025. (Credit: AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed).

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