Jenin's Refugee Camp Gripped by Silence and Fear Amid Ongoing Military Operation

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16336192/original/open-uri20240829-17-ddydnb?1724967278
ICARO Media Group
Politics
29/08/2024 21h33

In the heart of Jenin's refugee camp, an atmosphere of fear and isolation hangs heavy as the Israeli military operation continues to keep residents trapped inside their homes. With limited information reaching the outside world, the true extent of the situation remains shrouded in secrecy.

Residents, who spoke to us on the condition of anonymity, expressed their reluctance to even venture onto the rooftops for fear of being shot. The streets, normally bustling with activity, now lie empty as people seek shelter indoors. The majority of the population consists of elderly individuals and children, as young people managed to flee before the military's arrival.

Jenin, a focal point in the news today, is grappling with a blackout of information. The Palestinian phone network has been disrupted, with lines intentionally cut by the Israeli military. However, despite the communication barriers, some residents with functioning connections shared crucial details about the situation inside the camp.

One resident confirmed that his family still had access to basic necessities like water and electricity. He mentioned a small nearby shop that remained open, providing essential supplies to those who could access it. All the while, the constant buzzing of military drones served as a constant reminder of the perilous conditions they were enduring.

Gunshots sporadically rang out over the rooftops, signaling a potentially tense situation within the camp. The resident acknowledged the sound and noted that the drones' presence had intensified. As we conversed, an armored bulldozer could be seen making its way towards one of the primary entrances of the camp, while the deserted road sweltered under the scorching afternoon sun.

Although there were sporadic explosions and gunfire disrupting sleep the previous night, the resident affirmed that quiet had fallen over the camp. He couldn't detect any signs of house-to-house searches or the presence of fighters in his neighborhood. However, he found the silence abnormal and the camp itself remained sealed off by the occupying army since their early morning arrival on Wednesday.

It is important to note that Jenin camp serves as a base for armed Palestinian fighters as well as unarmed civilians. The camp has been the scene of fierce gun battles between Israeli forces and fighters, with repeated raids searching for them. Military vehicles now stand guard near two of Jenin's main hospitals, while ambulances' movements are closely monitored and controlled through Arabic instructions broadcast from army jeeps.

The usually bustling commercial district of Jenin now stands abandoned and shuttered. Empty streets are littered with cardboard boxes, and fruit left to spoil on abandoned carts fills the air with a sickeningly sweet stench. Despite the desolation, a small grocery shop bravely opens in the afternoons, providing a glimmer of hope and access to essential supplies for those who can reach it.

Thaeer Shana'at, a determined individual, is stocking up on food to deliver to families in the eastern neighborhood where Israeli forces have blocked access. He confirms that a population of approximately 20,000 people remains entirely cut off, with ambulances being the sole means of delivering food. However, even ambulances face the risk of being fired upon when attempting to make deliveries.

Munir Garwan, a former municipal worker and member of Fatah, shares his perspective amidst the chaos. Having spent six years in an Israeli jail for participating in activities against the occupying forces, Garwan expresses his belief that the cycle of violence continues as new generations are pushed to fill the void left by fallen fighters.

"We are not fighting for the victory of one side over the other; we are fighting for our rights," Garwan asserts, emphasizing the frustration and determination to resist the occupation.

As night falls, the sounds of explosions and gunfire are once again heard emanating from the camp, reinforcing the ever-present tension and uncertainty that grips the people of Jenin's refugee camp.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related