The Exodus from Jenin: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

In the heart of the West Bank, a dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding as Palestinian families are forced to flee their homes amidst escalating violence. Haleemeh Zawaydeh, a 63-year-old matriarch, recalls the chaotic moments when Israeli snipers invaded her neighborhood in Jenin. With no time to pack, she and 14 family members fled on foot, joining thousands of others displaced by the Israeli military offensive. The United Nations estimates that over 37,000 Palestinians have been driven from their homes in the occupied West Bank, marking one of the largest displacements since the 1967 war. Many of these families are now living in temporary shelters, relying on the kindness of strangers or meager resources to survive. For Zawaydeh, the uncertainty of returning to her home, a place she has known her entire life, weighs heavily on her heart.

A Crisis Unlike Any Other: Scale and Destruction

The current displacement in the West Bank is unprecedented in scale and severity. Israeli forces have largely emptied four refugee camps—Jenin, Tulkarem, Far’a, and Nur Shams—leaving behind a trail of destruction. Roads have been ripped up, buildings demolished, and essential infrastructure, including water and electricity lines, severely damaged. The Israeli defense minister has announced plans to maintain a military presence for up to a year, casting doubt on whether displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return.

The impact on families is devastating. Many are forced to rent temporary housing in nearby villages, stretching already thin resources. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has sounded the alarm, calling for urgent cash assistance to help 4,000 families meet rent needs. The situation is further complicated by the Palestinian Authority’s financial struggles and the limited capacity of UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which has been hindered by Israeli legislation.

Echoes of the Past: Historical Trauma Revived

The forced displacement of Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank has evoked bitter memories of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when some 750,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their homes during Israel’s creation. For many, the current events feel like a continuation of that historical trauma. International law prohibits forcible population transfers, and rights groups warn that such actions could constitute war crimes if implemented as a policy.

The emptying of refugee camps also raises concerns about a broader strategy to push Palestinians out of the West Bank, similar to calls for the permanent displacement of Gaza’s population. The destruction of homes in camps like Nur Shams, where residents returned briefly to salvage belongings before their homes were demolished, underscores the permanence of the displacement. For families like Mohammed Abdullah’s, who visit the grave of a son killed in a previous incursion, the loss of home and memory is immeasurable.

Scattered and Struggling: Life in Temporary Shelters

Families displaced from the camps are scattered across the West Bank, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters, university dorms, and the homes of friends or relatives. In Jenin, a charity for the blind has been transformed into a shelter, where 85 people from 23 families now live. Rooms have been divided into separate dorms for men, women, and children, with some sleeping on mats on the floor. The charity relies on donations to feed its new residents, highlighting the precarious nature of their existence.

Despite the challenges, hope persists. Nazmi Turkman, who fled Jenin a month ago, speaks of his daily attempts to return home, only to be blocked by military checkpoints and drones. “God willing, we will return soon,” he says, though the fate of his home remains uncertain. For many, the desire to return is not just about physical shelter but about reclaiming a sense of identity and belonging.

A Region on Edge: Reactions and Resistance

The Palestinian Authority has denounced the displacement as a continuation of Israel’s policies in Gaza, warning of regional escalation. However, its ability to provide aid is limited, as it struggles with financial constraints and widespread distrust among its population. UNRWA, once a key player in coordinating evacuations, now faces operational challenges due to Israeli laws barring interaction with the agency.

Amid the crisis, signs of resistance are emerging. In Tulkarem, a small group of displaced men held a protest, holding signs that read, “The right of return is sacred—No to displacement.” Nihad al-Shaweesh, a local leader, emphasized the determination of his community to return home. “We will not accept displacement,” he said. These acts of defiance highlight the resilience of a people determined to hold onto their homes and their future.

Uncertainty and Resilience: The Road Ahead

As the situation in the West Bank remains tense, the displaced families of Jenin, Tulkarem, Far’a, and Nur Shams find themselves in limbo, unsure of when—or if—they will return home. The destruction of their neighborhoods, the demolition of their homes, and the ongoing military presence have left deep scars. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there is a stubborn resilience. For Haleemeh Zawaydeh and countless others, the camp is more than a place; it is a lifetime of memories, a sense of community, and a connection to their past. As they wait for a resolution, they hold onto the hope that one day they will return to the homes they were forced to leave behind.