Israeli forces’ operation in Jenin | Flash Update #2 as of 16:30, 4 July 2023

KEY POINTS

• For the second consecutive day, Israeli forces have been carrying out a large-scale air and ground operation in Jenin Refugee Camp and its surroundings, resulting in further casualties, damages and the displacement of thousands, fleeing the area. Displacement significantly increased in the past 12 hours. As of 16:30 on 4 July, more than 500 Palestinian families, comprising more than 3,500 people, are estimated to be internally displaced, either because their homes have been damaged, or destroyed, or due to safety concerns. Internally displaced persons are staying in government buildings, hotels, mosques, churches, in the government hospital and with relatives.
• Large Israeli ground forces have continued raiding homes in the camp and appeared to move from one house to another through holes they drilled in the outer walls.
• As of 22:30 on 4 July, the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed that since the start of the operation, twelve Palestinians, including five children, were killed in Jenin. Furthermore, at least 143 people have been injured, of whom at least 20 are reportedly in critical condition.
• For the second consecutive day, vehicular and pedestrian entry to the camp is predominantly limited to one entrance where Israeli forces inspect vehicles, including ambulances. Moreover, Israeli forces bulldozed roads leading to the refugee camp, seriously hindering ambulances’ access to those injured within the camp.
• For the second consecutive day, most of the camp is without electricity or water, due to significant damage to infrastructure.
• The Humanitarian Coordinator has expressed concerns about the ongoing airstrikes and ground offensive in the densely populated Jenin Refugee Camp and the humanitarian consequences.
• International humanitarian actors carried out an inter-agency field mission to Jenin City. Partners visited the Jenin Municipality and the Jenin Governmental Hospital and delivered essential medical supplies.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

On 3 July at about 5:30 pm, windows of Al Amal hospital in Jenin were hit with gunfire and damaged.

On 3 July at about 6:00 pm, the Israeli military stated that its forces had located two pits that contained explosive devices, weapons and military equipment in the underground floor of a mosque.

On 3 July at about 8:30 pm, residents in Jenin Refugee Camp and neighbouring areas started to leave their homes in search of safe shelter, mainly in governmental buildings, residential houses, the government hospital and nearby villages. This has continued during 4 July and, and as of 1:30 pm, people were still leaving the camp.

On 3 July at about 10:00 pm, Palestinians throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in the Gaza Strip near the Israeli perimeter fence, staged protests against the Israeli operation in Jenin. Some participants threw stones, and Israeli forces shot live ammunition. As a result, four Palestinians were injured. Additionally, a general strike was declared across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

On 4 July at about 8:00 am, Israeli forces fired teargas canisters at the courtyards of the Jenin Governmental hospital.

On 4 July at about 08:00 am, the Israeli military stated that its forces had located an underground shaft which they say Palestinians used to store explosives devices, and confiscated weaponry.

On 4 July at about 1 pm, a Palestinian man from As Samu’ (Hebron) rammed his vehicle into Israeli pedestrians in Tel Aviv, Israel, before exiting his car and stabbing others. According to Israeli medical sources at least five people were injured, and the perpetrator was shot and killed by an Israeli.

On 4 July at about 4:00 pm, renewed exchanges of fire erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the refugee camp, primarily occurring in the neighbourhoods of Al Damaj, Al Hawashin, and Abdallah Azzam.

HUMANITARIAN OVERVIEW

• The Israeli forces’ operation has resulted in several casualties. According to initial estimates by the Ministry of Health twelve Palestinians have been killed, including five children, and at least 143 Palestinians have been injured.
• As of 16:30 pm on 4 July, more than 500 Palestinian families, comprising about 3,500 people, have been internally displaced, either because their homes have been damaged, or even destroyed, or due to safety concerns.
• UNRWA facilities remained closed in the refugee camp for the second consecutive day. Damage has been reported to an UNRWA clinic located in the refugee camp.
• Movement and access to the refugee camp is highly restricted, making it difficult for humanitarian organizations and Jenin Municipality representatives to assess humanitarian needs and provide aid. The movement restrictions, including the destruction of infrastructure and roads, also hinder safe and timely access of ambulances and medical personnel to the injured.
• For the second consecutive day, Israeli teargas canisters and sound grenades landed in the premises of health facilities in Jenin city.
• Medical cases are being managed at the three main hospitals in Jenin: Khalil Sleiman Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital, and Al Razi Hospital. Health Cluster partners are reviewing an initial list of urgent supplies shared by the MoH to support the Jenin Hospital. Pre-positioned supplies in Jenin have been released and are being utilized.
• For the second consecutive day, most parts of the camp are without electricity and drinkable water, as the main water pipeline and the electricity grid of the camp were severely damaged. The municipality is not able to access the affected areas to do the required repairs of the damaged infrastructure.
• Shops in the city of Jenin city and in Jenin Refugee Camp are closed, including the three shops in Jenin city that provide e-voucher food assistance. Banks, ATMs and other financial services are not working.
• Protection Cluster members are conducting initial monitoring and documentation of potential violations of international law.