Nur Shams eviction and demolition (Iron Wall)

In the context of the large-scale campaign throughout the occupied West Bank following the January 19 ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ('Iron Wall' in Jenin and Tulkarm), the Israeli army has increased its violence and repression against Palestinians camps. Operation Iron Wall is described by international human-rights groups as the largest forced displacement in the West Bank since 1967, with Nur Shams being one of the primary camps emptied of its population. Humanitarian access has been severely restricted, and basic services like schools and health centers have been disrupted or suspended.

Timeline of the events

On February 9, the Israeli army has been besieging and attacking the Nur Shams Refugee Camp in the city of Tulkarm.

• The Israeli bulldozers destroyed much of the camp’s infrastructure, cutting off electricity, water and internet services. Homes, businesses and vehicles were also damaged, particularly in Al-Manshiya and Jabal Al-Salihin, then they extend the destruction to the camp’s inner streets.

• Three people, including an 8-month pregnant woman, lost their lives when Israeli soldiers opened fire directly on thier vehicle or bombed their house on the camp.

• A civilian, Rahaf al-Ashqar (21), is killed when an explosive device is detonated at a home entrance during the raid.

• Israeli soldiers raided homes in the camp and forcibly removed civilians from their homes : hundreds of Palestinian women, children and elderly civilians were forced to migrate along muddy roads dug by the Israeli army, carrying with them the few belongings they could take.

• During their forced displacement, many residents described the harrowing ordeal of being held in rain and mud for hours. Young men and adults, in particular, were subjected to physical searches, ill-treatment and prolonged detention before being allowed to leave

• Vehicles cannot move along some streets because the Israeli army's is digging up the roads.

• Israeli soldiers turned back a group of Palestinian civilians who left the camp and proceeded to where their relatives would pick them up in vehicles.

• Gunfire and explosions can be heard from the camp due to clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian armed resistance groups.

• The Israeli army raided Palestinian houses, then moved their resident to another house. They detained some people and forced residents to leave the camp.

• Israeli army declared a curfew in the camp

• Displacement has been particularly severe in neighborhoods such as Al-Maslakh, Al-Manshiya, Jabal Al-Salihin and Jabal Al-Nasr, which are now almost deserted.

• Families have been directed to various locations, including the city of Tulkarem, the suburb of Dhanaba and the city of Anabta.

• The Palestine Red Crescent Society is assisting elderly residents and those in need of medical care by relocating them to safer areas.

• The Emergency Committee of Nour Shams refugee camp announced on February 10 that half of the camp's residents had fled, while 200 homes had been completely destroyed and 120 others partially damaged.

People were then forced to leave under threat.

Mid-February 2025

Local reports say over 90 % of Nur Shams residents are displaced following sustained military pressure and siege conditions.

March 6, 2025

Israeli forces order demolition of 25 residential structures in Nur Shams and Tulkarm camps; residents are given short notice to collect belongings ahead of demolition activity.

April 9, 2025

After ~61 days of operations, Israeli forces continue their aggression into Nur Shams camp as part of the broader West Bank offensive, with raids and home demolitions continuing.

On April 12-13, 2025

▪️ The assault on Nour Shams Camp has entered its 63rd day. ▪️ Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported as military reinforcements, including infantry and armored vehicles, entered the camp. ▪️ The camp remains besieged, with homes in Al-Mahjar neighborhood raided and young men detained for field interrogations. ▪️ Bulldozers destroyed roads and damaged gravesites near the cemetery bridge area. ▪️ In nearby Tulkarem Camp, soldiers were deployed in the Abu Al-Foul neighborhood, firing flares and conducting searches.

Casualties and Displacement for Tulkarm and Nur Shams:

▪️ 13 Palestinians have been martyred, including a child and two women—one of them eight months pregnant. ▪️ Dozens have been injured or arrested since the start of the campaign. ▪️ Over 4,000 families from Tulkarm and Nour Shams Camps have been forcibly displaced, along with dozens more from the northern city neighborhoods. ▪️ 396 homes have been completely destroyed and 2,573 partially damaged in Tulkarem and Nour Shams. ▪️ Dirt barriers continue to seal off entrances and alleyways in both camps.

On April 23, According to the Tulkarm Media Committee, Israeli occupation forces have completely destroyed 396 homes, partially damaged 2,573 others, and burned 300 shops in Tulkarm and the Nur Shams refugee camp in the occupied WestBank.

Early July 2025

Five months after Iron Wall began, humanitarian groups including MSF report that Nur Shams remains sealed off, largely emptied of residents, and subject to ongoing destruction with massive humanitarian needs. Tens of thousands from Nur Shams, Jenin, and Tulkarm remain displaced months later.

Nearly half of the people have been forcibly displaced three or more times in four months, while nearly three out of four are unsure if they can stay where they currently are. Over a third report feeling unsafe where they currently reside. Mental health needs are also mounting, especially among women and children, as repeated displacement, uncertainty, and being violently displaced compound distress: “We live in a constant state of fear. Israeli forces frequently patrol the area near where I’m staying,” says a displaced woman from Nur Shams refugee camp. “My family and I keep our bags packed at all times, ready to flee if we’re displaced again.”

Late November 2025

UNRWA reports that roughly 32,000 Palestinians from Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams remain forcibly displaced ten months into the West Bank operation, with camps largely emptied and few residents returned home

December 14, 2025

Israeli occupation forces issue a new demolition order for 25 buildings inside the Nur Shams camp, which has already suffered extensive destruction leaving hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed, further complicating any return of displaced residents.

Human Right Watch report:

"By expelling tens of thousands of Palestinians from refugee camps, dictating the manner of their displacement, and preventing their return for months after military operations ended, Israeli forces have carried out widespread, systematic, and intentional forced displacement that amounts to crimes against humanity. The actions by Israeli authorities to remove Palestinians from the refugee camps by violent means also amounts to “ethnic cleansing,” a non-legal term to describe the actions of one ethnic or religious group against another ethnic or religious group."

Perpetrators:

Human Rights Watch states that Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, as head of the Israeli military’s Central Command overseeing operations in the West Bank, should be investigated for possible criminal responsibility—directly or through command responsibility—for the forcible expulsion of about 32,000 people from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams. It says that former and current chiefs of staff, Herzi Halevi and Eyal Zamir, should also face investigation on similar grounds.

The organization argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Minister Bezalel Smotrich should likewise be investigated for potential criminal responsibility, including command responsibility, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.