Palestinians watch as Israeli bulldozers claw down their West Bank homes

Israeli forces demolished Palestinian homes in the Nur Shams refugee camp on Wednesday, part of a prolonged military operation that has transformed life across the northern West Bank over the past year.

The demolitions in Nur Shams reflect a pattern seen throughout the region since Israeli troops launched “Operation Iron Wall” in early 2025. According to Human Rights Watch analysis of satellite imagery, the military has demolished or severely damaged at least 850 structures across the refugee camps of Nur Shams, Jenin, and Tulkarem during this period.

The impact on civilian populations has been profound. These operations have triggered what observers call the largest displacement in the West Bank since Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Six-Day War. Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to find alternative accommodations, often crowding into relatives’ homes, renting apartments at premium prices, or sheltering in public buildings.

“Our home is dear to us, the memories are dear to us, the family, the neighbors, and the good people are dear to us,” said Motaz Mohor, who watched as bulldozers approached his home. “The first time our grandparents were displaced, and this is the second time.”

Mohor’s family history reflects the layered displacement experienced by many Palestinian refugees. His grandparents originally fled from Jaffa and Haifa during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation, when approximately 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes – an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba, or “catastrophe.” Now, he and roughly 25 relatives are sheltering in a 100-square-meter apartment after being forced from their homes in the camp.

The Israeli military has defended the demolitions, stating they are necessary to eliminate militant infrastructure or to clear operational routes for troops. Military officials maintain that the camp remains an area of militant activity despite nearly a year of operations, claiming that troops discovered explosives in the camp as recently as last month.

“The military had allowed residents to retrieve their belongings beforehand,” an Israeli military spokesperson said, adding that structures were only demolished where there existed “a clear and necessary operational need” and after exploring alternative courses of action.

However, many Palestinians and human rights organizations dispute this characterization, arguing that the operations constitute collective punishment and may violate international humanitarian law regarding occupying powers’ responsibilities toward protected civilian populations.

Ahmed al Sayyes, 60, expressed shock at waking up to see bulldozers beginning demolition work. “It’s very difficult and painful,” he said, explaining that he now faces secondary displacement as the house where he found temporary shelter is being sold. “It’s a tragedy after tragedy. Very difficult. Only God knows where we will end up.”

The Israeli military has indicated that troops will maintain a presence in some camps for at least a year, leaving significant uncertainty about when – or if – displaced Palestinians will be permitted to return to their communities. This extended timeframe has raised concerns about the long-term humanitarian implications for already vulnerable refugee populations.

The West Bank has experienced heightened tensions and military operations since October 2023, when the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted in Gaza. While much international attention has focused on Gaza, the situation in the West Bank has steadily deteriorated, with increased settlement expansion, military raids, and clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians.

For residents of Nur Shams and other northern West Bank refugee camps, the demolitions represent not only an immediate housing crisis but also revive historical trauma of displacement that has defined the Palestinian refugee experience for generations.