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“Every moment of inaction means more Palestinians are killed”: MAP demands immediate action as attacks on the West Bank surge

Israeli military violence is intensifying in the occupied West Bank, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarem refugee camps, resulting in widespread destruction of infrastructure, Palestinian killings, mass forced displacement, and severe restrictions on access to medical care.

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) calls on the UK Government and international community to publicly condemn Israeli forces’ excessive and indiscriminate use of force, and demand the lifting of the siege on Jenin, and the entry of humanitarian aid to help restore essential services.

Even as the temporary ceasefire holds in Gaza, the focus of Israeli military violence against Palestinians has shifted to the West Bank. Since early 2025, Israeli forces have killed 70 Palestinians, including 10 children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. In Jenin Governorate, Israeli forces have killed 30 Palestinians and nearly all of Jenin refugee camp’s 20,000 residents have been displaced over the past two months.

Farha Abul-Heija, the Director of MAP’s partner organisation in Jenin, the Not to Forget Association, told MAP:The situation in Jenin refugee camp has been difficult and painful for more than two years, even before October 2023 [the beginning of Israel’s 15-month military assault on Gaza]. The conditions are harsh due to the ongoing Israeli raids into the camp, which primarily focus on destroying infrastructure, harming people, killing civilians and children, displacing families, and deteriorating healthcare.”

The destruction in Jenin has led to the collapse of critical infrastructure, including UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA)’s health clinic, which was bombed in recent attacks. Hospitals face significant movement restrictions, making it nearly impossible for patients to receive care.

The siege on the hospital must be lifted to allow movement of patients and medical staff,urged Dr Wisam Baker, Head of the Jenin Hospital.

Aseel Baidoun, MAP’s Senior Advocacy and Campaigns Manager said: “With Israeli military attacks against Palestinians escalating, and forced displacement happening in real time, the world is watching. Delay is measured in Palestinian lives and every moment of inaction means more Palestinians are killed, injured, or displaced. The UK Government must use its diplomatic influence to demand an end to violence against Palestinians, hold those responsible for violations of international law accountable, and ensure Palestinians’ rights are protected.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

More testimony from Jenin refugee camp’s residents:

Farha Abu Al-Heija, Director of the Not to Forget Association, said: “The effects of the siege have left many questioning their future. The blockade is extremely painful and harmful to everyone living inside and outside the camp.”

Wijdan Yousef, a journalist from Jenin, said: “Continuous attacks have disrupted family life. We live in constant fear, as bullets can come from any direction while walking in the camp.”

A volunteer healthcare worker reported: “We are struggling to bring in medical supplies as we are suffering from a severe shortage. Sewage water is overflowing into the streets, posing a major health risk to children, women, and the elderly.”

One camp resident, who has been forced to leave his home, said: “I am one of those people who had to leave my home, which forced me to bear extra financial burdens beyond my capacity. We had to rent empty houses and buy basic bedding and blankets just to manage in these harsh conditions.”

MAP has been upscaling its emergency response in the West Bank. Prior to the escalation of Israeli military violence, MAP delivered supplies to our partner, Not to Forget Association, which have been critical in providing immediate assistance to displaced families and children. These supplies included food packages, which have already been distributed to those in desperate need. We have also delivered emergency medical supplies to Jenin Hospital, from the pre-prepositioned supplies in our warehouse.

Full release also online here: https://www.map.org.uk/news/archive/post/1700-aevery-moment-of-inaction-means-more-palestinians-are-killeda-map-demands-immediate-action-as-attacks-on-the-west-bank-surge

Spokespeople available. For media inquiries or interviews, additional information or testimony, please reply to this email or contact:

Email: press@map.org.uk Phone: +44 (0)203 869 1310

For more information on MAP and our work please visit: www.map.org.uk