Israel destroys refugee camp in West Bank, attacks in Gaza

(CLO) The Israeli army has demolished many houses and widened a major road through the Nur Shams refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, while killing many people in Gaza.

The operation comes amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza that has kept peace there for the past six weeks. However, in the West Bank, Israel continues its military operations, clearing large refugee camps in the north, which many Palestinians fear is a test run for larger-scale clearances in the future.

Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip. Photo: CC/Wiki

Nur Shams, near the city of Tulkarm, is the latest refugee camp to be affected, following a refugee camp in the city of Jenin and another in Tulkarm. Residents said bulldozers had widened roads in the area, demolishing many houses to make way for Israeli military vehicles.

Of the camp's estimated 13,000 residents, almost none remain inside, according to Nihad al-Shawish, head of the Nur Shams camp services committee. "Before, around 3,000 people were still in the camp, but as of today, all have left," he said.

Israel said the operation was aimed at eliminating fighters from Iran-backed militant groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who have built bases in refugee camps in the northern West Bank.

At least 12 people were killed in clashes in Tulkarm, including civilians and gunmen, according to Palestinian health officials.

The operation has drawn strong international criticism and raised concerns that Israel is planning to formally annex the West Bank – territory it captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel continued to tighten its blockade, raising concerns that the ceasefire could collapse completely. Israeli troops opened fire, killing at least two people in Rafah and wounding three in Khan Younis.

Hamas has demanded a second phase of the ceasefire, which would see Israel withdraw its troops and end the war. However, Israel has only offered to extend the temporary truce until April in exchange for Hamas releasing more hostages.

Amid the deadlock in negotiations, Israel imposed a total blockade, cutting off all food and fuel supplies to Gaza. Aid trucks were stuck in Egypt, while food prices in Gaza soared. The price of a bag of flour rose from 40 shekels ($11) to 100 shekels ($28) overnight.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening as most residents live in ruins after the 15-month war. According to local health officials, more than 48,000 Palestinians have died since the war began.

Cao Phong (according to CNN, BBC, AJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/israel-pha-huy-trai-ti-nan-tai-bo-tay-tan-cong-gaza-bat-chap-lenh-ngung-ban-post336981.html