Large number of Palestinians in the West Bank have been forced to leave their homes in a hurry and pain this year, as Israel has intensified its military campaign and escalated home demolitions in the region.
The latest Israeli military operations are focused on the northern region of the West Bank, including the towns of Tulkarem and Jenin.
The Israeli Defense Force said it is part of a counter terrorism campaign, adding that any residents who have already left are currently not permitted to return, except for specific, coordinated entries to retrieve belongings.
Israel launched the military campaign named "Iron Wall" in the two towns in late January to dismantle what they called "terrorist groups" and to maintain military control in the occupied territory.
According to the UN, the operation led to the displacement of more than 40,000 people just in weeks.
Many are now seeking refuge in community centers, including Hajar Saleh Abdullah Sarhan who says she and her four children was warned to leave their home just one hour ahead of the operation.
"What’s happening to us here in the Tulkarem area, in Jenin, in the camp in the West Bank—it’s the same as in Gaza. A drone struck my house and I was injured. I was bleeding and waiting for an ambulance, but no one came. I was forced to leave my home, displaced here, living with seven other families—barely surviving,” she said, pointing out injuries to her face she sustained during the attack.
While many are being displaced, others are finally returning home after being released from Israeli prisons.
Muhammad Al-Milh spent 29 years in jail as a political prisoner, and was released in January as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
"We are constantly subjected to repression in prison. I was physically assaulted before my release. Palestinian prisoners continue to suffer severe abuse: medical neglect, food deprivation, physical violence, beatings, and solitary confinement," he said.
According to prisoners' rights organization Addameer, more than 9,900 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, including 400 children.
The UN has previously expressed serious concerns regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees.
"Anyone who is a part of the Palestinian struggle will have to pay a price. That could mean imprisonment, or it could be death. I am one of those people," said Al-Milh.
Israeli operations lead to forced displacement of Palestinians in West Bank
Israeli operations lead to forced displacement of Palestinians in West Bank
