Attachments
FORCED DISPLACEMENT. Since January 21, the Israeli ‘Iron Wall’ operation in the north of the West Bank has displaced more than 42,000 people – mainly from three refugee camps in Jenin and Tulkarem and surrounding neighborhoods and villages. Israeli troops have emptied and reshaped the camps, causing significant destruction, and signaled their intention of long-term presence (at least for the “coming year”), preventing any return. In other parts of the West Bank, Palestinians continue to face forced displacement driven by various factors. According to OCHA1 , between January 1, and April 21, 2025, excluding military operations, 566 structures were demolished – forcing the displacement of over 680 people. This marks a 45% increase in demolitions and a 58% increase in displacements compared to the same period in 2024.
In the West Bank, forced displacement is related to a range of interconnected hardships. Disrupted access to healthcare, increased mental health needs, financial hardship and loss of livelihoods, as well as limited access to essential services such as water are contributing to forced displacement, while these hardships deepen further after the displacement.
From February to the end of April 2025, MSF teams have provided primary health care to over 2,000 patients, more than 50% of whom are IDPs, through mobile clinics in 42 public locations and IDP shelters around Tulkarem and Jenin. Chronic illnesses remain the most common health issues among MSF patients, with 52% suffering from hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or both – conditions that require ongoing medication to prevent serious complications. Access to healthcare for displaced people remains extremely limited. A pervasive climate of violence, the presence of Israeli forces, numerous movement restrictions, widespread medication shortages in health centers because of, among others, the UNRWA ban and the MoH financial difficulties, and transportation costs all present significant barriers – especially since the majority has lost everything when forced to flee their homes, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
As of 27 April, in 2025, MSF provided mental health support and/or social assistance to at least 120 Palestinians (i.e. 23 families) in Hebron Governorate, who were forcibly displaced, mainly due to home demolitions.