Palestine: Three questions on the intensification of Israeli violence in the West Bank
In recent weeks, we have observed an escalation of extreme violence occurring in the West Bank, Palestine, particularly in Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas, since the ceasefire was implemented in Gaza. On Jan. 21, Israel launched a military operation called “Iron wall,” which has killed at least 50 Palestinians, including a two-year-old girl, forcibly displaced 20,000 residents in Jenin and more than 6,000 in Tulkarem. It has also severely damaged an estimated 150 to 180 homes. Brice de la Vingne, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) emergency unit coordinator, provides an update on the situation and MSF’s response.
What is the current situation in the West Bank since the recent ceasefire in Gaza?
Since Jan. 19 and the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, we have observed a surge of violent attacks and blockades all over the West Bank. On Jan. 21, the Israeli military announced the beginning of an operation called “Iron Wall,” which started in Jenin refugee camp. It has been ongoing for almost two weeks and has now expanded to Tulkarem city, where many Israeli airstrikes have been carried out. So far, it has caused severe damage of an estimated 150 to 180 homes, basic water and energy infrastructure, the displacement of 20,000 people and resulted in more than 50 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.
Among the victims are three nurses and two doctors, who were injured by Israeli fire in Khalil Suleiman hospital in Jenin. Israeli forces also killed a paramedic while performing his humanitarian duty and a two-year-old girl during a raid in Tulkarem.
This situation comes after more than a month of violent operations led by the Palestinian Authorities in Jenin camp in December 2024 until Israel’s military operation took over. As a result, Palestinians in Jenin were already facing shortages of essential supplies, such as water or electricity.
How is this situation affecting people in the area?
Severe movement restrictions are imposed by Israeli forces in Jenin but also across the rest of the West Bank, characterized by road closures, prolonged delays at checkpoints and the installation of new gates at village entrances. This is making every journey complicated, whether to go to work, visit relatives or seek medical care.
According to the United Nations, 68 per cent of health service points in the West Bank are now unable to function for more than two or three days a week, and hospitals are functioning at only 70 per cent of their capacity.
In Jenin and Tulkarem, the situation is even more dire, as people lack food, water and fuel due to the blockade and recurrent attacks.
Since the beginning of 2025, Israeli forces have killed 70 Palestinians in the West Bank. These include 38 Palestinians killed in Jenin governorate.
What is MSF’s current response?
We are supporting the Khalil Suleiman hospital in Jenin with fuel and water. We have delivered over 10,000 litres of fuel and above 800,000 litres of water to keep the hospital running. We also have been delivering humanitarian assistance both in Jenin and Tulkarem with basic hygiene kits, food distribution and mattresses. In Tulkarem, inside the camp, we are collaborating with the Palestinian Red Cross Society to support people who are vulnerable with medical material, drinking water, bread, or diapers for children.
In Nablus and Hebron, where our teams also work, we have had to reduce and adapt our medical activities due to movement restrictions caused by insecurity. However, we are committed to staying and supporting people across the West Bank.
