Rising Militancy Fueled by Israeli Raids in West Bank Refugee Camp

In April, an Israeli army raid sparked a nearly three-day gun battle with Palestinian militants in the Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank. The intense fighting left homes in ruins and forced many residents to flee. This incident, occurring more than 100 kilometers from Gaza, highlights the ongoing challenges in the decades-old conflict, exacerbated since the recent war in Gaza began. Despite Israel’s military efforts, Palestinian militancy in the West Bank persists, underscoring the limitations of military action without a political resolution.

Nur Shams, one of several refugee camps established after the 1948 war, has long been a stronghold for Palestinian militants. Residents are accustomed to army raids, but the April operation was unprecedented in scale. Israeli troops conducted house raids, demolished buildings, and excavated roads and sewage systems. The Israeli military stated the operation targeted militants, but the aftermath left significant destruction and displacement. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported over 500 Palestinian deaths in the West Bank since the latest Israel-Hamas conflict began, with many casualties resulting from Israeli raids and violent protests. The ongoing unrest has further strained the region’s stability and economic conditions.