Roland Friedrich, Director of Affairs for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the West Bank, said that further shocking news continues to emerge from the northern West Bank following the issuance of a new Israeli occupation demolition order targeting Nur Shams refugee camp.
اضافة اعلان
Friedrich explained that the new demolition order places approximately 25 buildings in the camp at imminent risk of demolition as of December 18, a move that will affect hundreds of Palestine refugees who have already been subjected to forced displacement.
He noted that, based on satellite imagery, nearly 48% of the total buildings in Nur Shams camp had already been damaged or destroyed even before the latest demolition order was issued.
Friedrich pointed out that this measure falls within a recurring pattern witnessed in the area throughout the current year, whereby occupation forces demolish homes with the aim of imposing long-term control over refugee camps in the northern West Bank. Such actions, he said, are likely to result in permanent changes to the geographical character of these camps.
He added that these demolitions are justified under the pretext of so-called “military necessity,” stressing that such actions do not make anyone safer.
Friedrich emphasized that the forced displacement of more than 32,000 Palestine refugees in the northern West Bank must not become permanent, noting that residents have been anxiously waiting for eleven months to return to their homes, but that this hope fades with every strike of demolition bulldozers.
