Jenin: The Israeli occupation's aggression on the city of Jenin and its camp has entered its seventh month, amid widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes, and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians from their homes.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Bashir Matahin, the director of public relations at the Jenin Municipality, reported that over 600 homes have been completely destroyed since the start of the Israeli raid on the camp, with nearly 1,000 additional housing units partially demolished. This has resulted in the displacement of approximately 22,000 residents. The presence of the occupation army in the Jenin camp has restricted entry and exit, complicating efforts by the municipality to assess the full extent of the damage.
Matahin highlighted the significant changes to the camp's landscape, noting the removal of several landmarks and the construction of new roads and streets. He emphasized that the ongoing aggression has intensified the crisis faced by the displaced, particularly affecting the capacity of local schools to accommodate displaced students. The occupation has closed eight schools in and around the camp, contributing to overcrowding issues.
The Jenin Municipality estimates its direct losses at approximately $400 million, with indirect losses worsening daily due to an ongoing economic crisis. The city has experienced 62 incursions prior to the latest aggression, severely impacting commercial activity and resulting in the closure of several businesses and the failure of many projects.
A deep recession has struck Jenin's markets, exacerbated by the closure of the Jalameh crossing and the constant presence of the occupation army. The destruction of key streets connecting the commercial district to surrounding villages has further hampered economic recovery.
Despite these challenges, the Jenin Municipality has initiated efforts to rehabilitate the city's infrastructure, with support from the Palestinian government. Rehabilitation projects are underway on Nazareth Street, Haifa Street, and Nablus Street to improve transportation and revitalize the market. Efforts are also being made to restore damaged neighborhoods, particularly the eastern neighborhood and Madaris Street, which have experienced repeated destruction by Israeli forces.
Since the onset of the aggression on January 21, 2020, 40 people have lost their lives, with dozens more injured and detained.