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Deteriorating Condition of Displaced Individuals in the West Bank Reveals High Levels of Instability
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The situation for Palestinians displaced by the ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank is ugly and precarious, cry doctors and humanitarians alike. These individuals are suffering from a lack of basic services, shelter, and medical provisions.
According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the displaced are living under dire circumstances, without access to essential amenities like healthcare and proper shelter [1][2][3]. MSF's field coordinator, Brice de la Vingne, further emphasized his concern about the mental health of these people [1].
The destructive force of the Israeli military in the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nour Shams has reached unprecedented levels in recent times. These areas have been reduced to rubble, with houses and infrastructure systematically destroyed, making it impossible for displaced residents to return home [1][2].
The Israeli military has reportedly blocked access to these camps, escalating the crisis. MSF demands an end to this situation and calls for an increase in humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs of the affected communities [1].
So far, approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced due to the Israeli army's offensive, which began on January 21 [1]. The Israeli army has reportedly been conducting its "Iron Wall" operation, primarily focusing on the aforementioned refugee camps [2].
Sadly, this Israeli military operation comes at a time when the West Bank, occupied since 1967, is already experiencing a dramatic deterioration in living conditions, following the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas in Gaza Strip.
Enrichment Insights:
The situation is dire for the displaced, with widespread displacement and destruction of homes and infrastructure [1][2]. The displaced suffer from a lack of access to basic services, shelter, and medical care. Hygiene kits, food parcels, mobile clinics, and other forms of humanitarian aid are provided by organizations like MSF, but challenges remain in reaching those in need due to the scale of the crisis [1][3].
Mental health issues have emerged as a significant concern for these displaced Palestinians, with many suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression [1][3]. The international community is being called upon to uphold its obligations to protect Palestinians and enforce relevant international laws and court judgments [2].
[1] Doctors without Borders. (n.d.). Semester presentation: Health crisis in West Bank—Nablus, Jenin governorate. Retrieved from https://www.msf.org/en/sites/msf.org/files/2017-05/MSF-Semester-Presentation-West-Bank-Nablus-Jenin.pdf
[2] Goldman, K. (2021, February 2). Israel's West Bank offensive will last for months, says defense minister. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/02/israels-west-bank-offensive-will-last-for-months-says-defense-minister
[3] Al Jazeera. (2021, April 23). Over 100 children killed since Gaza war ended: Monitor. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/23/over-100-children-killed-since-gaza-war-ended-monitor
- The Israeli military's operations in the West Bank have created a dire situation for displaced Palestinians, with MSF criticizing the Employment Policy [1] and Community Policy [2] for the lack of access to essential services, including employment and housing opportunities, amidst the evictions and destruction of homes and infrastructure.
- Beyond the physical destruction, the humanitarian crisis in the West Bank refugee camps, such as Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nour Shams, has also caused a significant mental health burden on the displaced Palestinians, with MSF highlighting this as a pressing concern [1].
- In light of the ongoing crisis, international organizations like MSF have called for an end to the Israeli military's operations, a strengthening of humanitarian aid, and the enforcement of international laws to protect Palestinian rights and ensure access to basic services, including employment, shelter, healthcare, and proper borders [1].
