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Israel Demolishes 25 Buildings in West Bank Refugee Camp, Displacing About 100 Families

Israeli commanders frame the razing as an operational step to curb militant activity.

An Israeli army bulldozer demolishes homes in the Palestinian urban refugee camp of Nur Shams, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
People watch an Israeli army bulldozer demolishing homes in the Palestinian urban refugee camp of Nur Shams, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
People watch an Israeli army bulldozer demolishing homes in the Palestinian urban refugee camp of Nur Shams, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
An Israeli army bulldozer demolishes homes in the Palestinian urban refugee camp of Nur Shams, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Overview

  • Bulldozers leveled 25 residential structures in the Nur Shams camp on Wednesday, with AFP and AP documenting the demolitions on the ground.
  • The Israeli military said Central Command chief Major General Avi Bluth ordered the action for a “clear and necessary operational need,” citing recent finds of weapons and explosives.
  • Defence Minister Israel Katz said operations in Nur Shams, Tulkarm and Jenin have been effective, claiming an 80% drop in what he calls terrorist activity and saying troops will remain to prevent regrouping.
  • Human Rights Watch’s satellite analysis found at least 850 structures demolished or heavily damaged across the northern camps over the past year, with AP reporting tens of thousands displaced.
  • Local representatives say many residents cannot return, with a Nur Shams committee member reporting more than 1,500 camp families still uprooted before this latest round.