4 February 2025
Israeli military violence is intensifying in the occupied West Bank, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarem refugee camps, resulting in widespread destruction of infrastructure, Palestinian killings, mass forced displacement, and severe restrictions on access to medical care.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) calls on the UK Government to publicly condemn Israeli forces’ excessive and indiscriminate use of force, and demand the lifting of the siege on Jenin, and the entry of humanitarian aid to help restore essential services.
Even as the temporary ceasefire holds in Gaza, the focus of Israeli military violence against Palestinians has shifted to the West Bank. Since early 2025, Israeli forces have killed 70 Palestinians, including 10 children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. In Jenin Governorate, Israeli forces have killed 30 Palestinians and nearly all of Jenin refugee camp’s 20,000 residents have been displaced over the past two months.
Farha Abul-Heija, the Chairperson of MAP’s partner organisation in Jenin, the Not to Forget Association, told MAP: “The situation in Jenin refugee camp has been difficult and painful for more than two years, even before October 2023 [the beginning of Israel’s 15-month military assault on Gaza]. The conditions are harsh due to the ongoing Israeli raids into the camp, which primarily focus on destroying infrastructure, harming people, killing civilians and children, displacing families, and deteriorating healthcare.”
The destruction in Jenin has led to the collapse of critical infrastructure, including UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA)’s health clinic, which was bombed in recent attacks. Hospitals face significant movement restrictions, making it nearly impossible for patients to receive care. “The siege on the hospital must be lifted to allow movement of patients and medical staff,” urged Dr Wisam Baker, Director of the Jenin Hospital.
Aseel Baidoun, MAP’s Senior Advocacy and Campaigns Manager said: “With Israeli military attacks against Palestinians escalating, and forced displacement happening in real time, the world is watching. Delay is measured in Palestinian lives and every moment of inaction means more Palestinians are killed, injured, or displaced. The UK Government must use its diplomatic influence to demand an end to violence against Palestinians, hold those responsible for violations of international law accountable, and ensure Palestinians’ rights are protected.”
Photo: Palestinians fleeing from Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank walk past a Palestine Red Crescent Society ambulance, as Israeli military attacks continue in the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm. (Credit: SOPA Images Limited/Alamy Live News).