The United Nations has warned that Israel's forced displacement of over 33,000 Palestinian refugees from three West Bank camps in 2025 could amount to crimes against humanity. The UN rights office report, which Israel has criticized, details a military operation that forcibly displaced the entire populations of Jenin, Nur Shams, and Tulkarm refugee camps. The operation, codenamed 'Iron Wall,' involved the killing of civilians, destruction of homes, and cutting off essential services before forcing residents to leave. As of July 2026, these refugees have not been allowed to return.
The UN report describes how Israeli forces used airstrikes, armoured bulldozers, and controlled detonations to render the camps uninhabitable, preventing residents from returning. UN rights chief Volker Turk suggested that the operation aimed to expel Palestinians and make way for illegal Israeli settlements, further violating international law. Israel's mission in Geneva has rejected the report, accusing the UN of spreading misinformation and neglecting the threat of terrorist attacks.
The West Bank has been occupied by Israel since 1967 and has seen increased violence following the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Operation Iron Wall was launched in January 2025, leading to the complete emptying of the three refugee camps. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced plans for a prolonged military presence in the cleared camps to prevent the return of residents and the resurgence of terrorism.
FAQs
Question: What is the main concern raised by the UN report? Answer: The UN report raises concerns that Israel's forced displacement of over 33,000 Palestinian refugees from West Bank camps could amount to crimes against humanity, including forcible transfer and collective punishment.
Question: What actions did Israeli forces take during Operation Iron Wall? Answer: During Operation Iron Wall, Israeli forces killed civilians, destroyed homes, cut off water and electricity, and barred humanitarian access before forcing residents to leave the camps.
Question: How has Israel responded to the UN report? Answer: Israel's mission in Geneva has criticized the UN report, accusing it of spreading misinformation and neglecting the threat of terrorist attacks. Israel maintains that the operation was necessary for security reasons.
Question: What is the current status of the displaced refugees? Answer: As of July 2026, the 33,362 Palestinian refugees displaced from the three camps have not been permitted to return, according to the UN.
