In recent developments, the Israeli Security Forces (ISF) carried out a series of controlled detonations in the Jenin refugee camp, located in the northern West Bank. The blasts, described as destructive and sudden, devastated significant portions of the camp, leaving behind a scene of destruction. These operations, part of Israel’s broader military actions in the region, have drawn harsh criticism from humanitarian organizations, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The UNRWA reported that it was not given prior notice of the detonations, a glaring issue given that communication between the agency and Israeli authorities has been severed. This lack of coordination is particularly concerning as it endangers the lives of civilians in the region. With UNRWA’s access to the area severely limited, humanitarian assistance to the already vulnerable population has been halted, exacerbating the suffering of thousands of displaced residents.
Jenin: A Ghost Town in the Wake of Violence
Jenin, once home to many Palestinians, has now been reduced to what the agency describes as a “ghost town.” For the past two months, the residents of Jenin camp have endured ongoing violence, displacements, and instability. The Israeli and Palestinian security forces’ operations have forced the displacement of thousands of people, many of whom have no homes to return to. Basic services that once sustained life, including access to education and healthcare, have been severely interrupted.
A particularly tragic consequence of the violence is the closure of 13 schools in the northern West Bank. These schools, which were set to reopen for the new semester, remain shut as a result of continued military operations in the area. This disruption has left many children without the education they need, further compounding the already dire humanitarian crisis.
A Ceasefire Under Threat
The escalation in Jenin comes on the heels of a fragile ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which has provided a temporary respite in the ongoing conflict. However, the violence in the West Bank, especially in Jenin, threatens to unravel the ceasefire and could lead to renewed conflict. The fragile peace established after the heavy toll of the 2023 Gaza conflict, which claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians, remains at risk.
The ceasefire followed the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. As the region continues to reel from the repercussions of the war, incidents like those in Jenin could trigger further escalation.
UNRWA’s Challenges and the Impact on Palestinian Lives
UNRWA’s operations have been increasingly challenged in recent months, especially in areas like Jenin, where its presence has been reduced to a minimum. In October 2024, Israel’s parliament passed two controversial laws that effectively banned UNRWA from operating within its territory. These laws, which came into effect in January 2025, prohibit any contact between Israeli authorities and the agency, further hindering efforts to provide aid to displaced Palestinians.
The lack of humanitarian support in Jenin and other conflict areas only serves to deepen the crisis. The destruction of homes, schools, and vital infrastructure continues to leave thousands without access to basic needs. With no clear resolution in sight, the people of Jenin face an uncertain future, and the international community’s ability to provide aid and support is increasingly restricted.
Impact
The ongoing violence and displacement in Jenin reflect the broader challenges facing the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza. As operations continue between Israeli and Palestinian security forces, the humanitarian situation grows more dire. The United Nations and other international bodies have called for an end to the violence and for renewed efforts to facilitate dialogue and peace in the region. However, with humanitarian aid efforts blocked and tensions escalating, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain.
