Israel Orders Demolition of 25 Homes in Nur Shams Refugee Camp

On December 14, 2025, Israeli authorities issued military orders to demolish 25 residential buildings in the Nur Shams Refugee Camp, located east of Tulkarm city in the northern West Bank. The targeted demolitions are set to affect the Al-Manshiya and Al-Maslakh neighborhoods within the camp. This directive is part of a broader pattern of demolitions and forced displacements in the region.

Escalating Demolitions in the West Bank

Since January 2025, Israeli military operations have led to the demolition of over 1,000 Palestinian homes across the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps. In Nur Shams alone, more than 400 homes have been destroyed, resulting in the displacement of thousands of residents. These actions have been accompanied by infrastructure damage, including the destruction of roads and utilities, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area.

International Condemnation and Legal Challenges

Human rights organizations have condemned these demolitions, labeling them as violations of international law. In November 2025, Human Rights Watch reported that the forced displacement of Palestinians from these camps amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Legal challenges have been mounted against the demolitions; however, the Israeli Supreme Court has dismissed petitions without holding hearings, effectively allowing the demolitions to proceed unimpeded.

Humanitarian Impact

The continuous demolitions have left thousands of Palestinians homeless, with many seeking shelter in overcrowded conditions or makeshift accommodations. The destruction of homes and infrastructure has disrupted access to essential services, including water, electricity, and healthcare. Local officials and international bodies have called for immediate intervention to halt the demolitions and address the urgent humanitarian needs of the affected populations.