Israeli occupation forces have continued their relentless onslaught against the city of Jenin and its refugee camp for the 97th consecutive day, carrying out widespread home demolitions, forcibly displacing thousands, and transforming civilian homes into military outposts, local officials reported.

Bashir Matahen, Director of Public Relations at the Jenin Municipality, told the Palestinian news agency WAFA that Israeli forces today forced 20 Palestinian families to evacuate their homes in the Al-Zahraa neighborhood, adjacent to the camp. The evacuated houses were immediately converted into military outposts.

Matahen added that Israeli bulldozers are intensifying demolition operations within the refugee camp under a total media blackout. So far, approximately 600 homes have been completely demolished, while the remaining houses have suffered partial destruction, leaving them unfit for habitation.

The refugee camp, once a densely populated area, is now encircled by four metal gates and surrounded by earth mounds, effectively transforming it into a closed military zone where movement in and out is strictly prohibited.

According to municipal figures, the Israeli offensive has displaced over 22,000 residents from both the camp and the surrounding city. In Jenin city alone, 380 homes have been forcibly evacuated, while within the camp itself, all 3,470 homes have been cleared of their residents.

Since the beginning of the onslaught, at least 39 Palestinians have been killed, and dozens more wounded. Tens of residents have also been detained amid the ongoing offensive.

The siege on Jenin and its refugee camp has been described by Palestinian officials and human rights groups as part of a broader strategy of collective punishment, aiming to depopulate and permanently alter the fabric of one of the most resilient bastions of Palestinian resistance.

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with thousands of displaced families left homeless and lacking access to basic necessities. (ILKHA)