Israel's military actions in the West Bank have increased dramatically in 2025, forcing thousands of Palestinians from their homes and raising fears that the destruction seen in Gaza is now spreading to the occupied territory
On February 23, Israel deployed tanks in the occupied West Bank for the first time in more than 20 years, marking a significant expansion of its "Iron Wall" military operation, which began in January. The tanks rolled into Jenin and surrounding areas shortly after a ceasefire took effect in Gaza, indicating Israel’s counter terrorism efforts.
Israeli raids in northern West Bank areas like Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nablus have displaced thousands of Palestinians and demolished entire residential blocks. The military claims these operations target armed groups. However, no evidence has been provided to support claims that homes were used for military purposes. Reports confirm that entire families have been left without shelter as infrastructure, including roads and water pipes lie in ruins.
Three tanks were sent into the Jenin refugee camp, the first such deployment since 2002 during the second Intifada. From Jenin, Israel's military operations have expanded to Qabatiya, Burqin, Tulkarem, areas near Ramallah, and even Hebron in the southern West Bank.
The human cost of these operations has been severe. According to Palestinian officials, more than 40,000 people have fled their homes since January 21 reportedly the largest displacement in the West Bank since the 1967 war. Beyond destroying homes, Israeli forces have damaged critical infrastructure including roads and water pipes.
Palestinian Authority spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said, "The Israeli occupation authorities are expanding their all out war on the Palestinian people in the West Bank to implement their plans aimed at displacing citizens and carrying out ethnic cleansing".
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that Israeli forces have killed at least 70 Palestinians in the West Bank since the beginning of 2025, including 10 children.
In a troubling development, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the army to prepare for an "extended presence in the cleared camps for the next year, and not to allow the return of residents". This announcement raises serious concerns about the long-term displacement of Palestinians.
As thousands of people face losing their homes permanently. Palestinian officials fear this move signals an effort to change the demographics of the region, a form of displacement not seen at this scale since the Six-Day War in 1967. It is the largest displacement in the territory .
Israel claims these operations target armed groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which it says have created strongholds in refugee camps. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that the mission's goal is to "eradicate terrorism". However, critics argue that these actions have primarily targeted civilians, destroyed essential infrastructure, and worsened the suffering of Palestinian communities.
The extended military presence has left Palestinians living in fear, feeling forgotten by the world as violence and raids increase. Checkpoints block access to schools, jobs, and hospitals, making daily life a struggle. With homes destroyed and communities displaced, the situation grows worse every day, leaving many with little hope for a better future.
The United Nations has condemned these actions, labelling them as violations of international law. The expansion of Israeli settlements and the demolition of Palestinian properties have been described as acts that undermine the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people.
Several countries including France and Germany, along with the United Nations, have expressed alarm at the scale of Israel's operations in the West Bank and called for restraint. However, these statements have not slowed the military campaign.
The Palestinian Authority has strongly condemned the attacks, saying Palestinians "would not accept resettlement plans or an 'alternative homeland’”. With Israel’s “Iron Wall” operation showing no signs of slowing, the fear is growing that the destruction seen in Gaza over the past year is now unfolding in the West Bank. Palestinian officials have described these actions as ethnic cleansing, pushing for urgent global attention to stop the suffering.
Even though the situation is serious, it has not received much attention from international media. This lack of coverage enables Israeli policies that cause more suffering and force more people to leave their homes. The need for a robust international response has never been more urgent.