ACT Palestine Forum condemns escalation of violence in Jenin Refugee Camp

Christian World Service shares this statement from the ACT Palestine Forum, which includes our partner, the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees.  

We the ACT Palestine forum express our deep concern and condemnation regarding the recent escalation of violence at Jenin Refugee Camp and its surroundings. The loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes and infrastructure including the Latin church is a tragic development that requires immediate attention and action from the international community to stop the violence and ensure accountability.

According to UN OCHA reports and other various sources, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes and ground operations in and around the Jenin Refugee Camp, and According to initial estimates by the Ministry of Health, as of 15:30 on 3 July, eight Palestinians have been killed, including two children, and 50 Palestinians have been injured. Reportedly over half of these injuries were a result of shrapnel caused by the Israeli airstrikes and at least 11 are in critical condition.

The scale of this attack and the ongoing military raids lead to a grave humanitarian crisis for the residents of the camp and its surroundings, and the act of forcing over 3,000 refugees to flee the camp as a result of this operation, subjecting them to the experience of being refugees once again should not be tolerated.

We emphasise that the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law should be paramount in any conflict. The excessive use of force against civilians, including
children and the elderly is deeply concerning and unacceptable.

Such actions contribute to an alarming trend of violence in the occupied West Bank, undermining efforts for peace and stability in the region.

We reiterate the importance of upholding international law and relevant UN resolutions in finding a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and we call the international community and related parties, including the United Nations, and regional and international organisations to react immediately without delay to address the situation and for immediate cessation of hostilities that ensure the safety of all civilians including those living in refugee camps and its surrounding.

July 4, 2023

The World Council of Churches has also called for the cessation of all violence in the West Bank.

Images: Candles in Jerusalem/WCC/Peter Williams and Jenin/972/Nasser Ishtayeh/Flash 90