West Bank: Three questions on the intensification of Israeli violence
Since the ceasefire was implemented in Gaza, Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams have observed an escalation of extreme violence in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas.
On 21 January, Israel launched a military operation called “Iron wall”, which has killed at least 50 Palestinians, including a two-year-old girl. The violence has also forcibly displaced 20,000 residents in Jenin and more than 6,000 in Tulkarem, and severely damaged an estimated 150-180 homes.
Brice de la Vingne, MSF emergency unit coordinator, provides an update on the situation and our response.
1 | What is the current situation in the West Bank since the recent ceasefire in Gaza?
Since Sunday 19 January and the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, we have observed a surge of violent attacks and blockades all over the West Bank.
On 21 January, 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 in the area.
So far, it has caused severe damage to an estimated 150-180 homes and basic water and energy infrastructure, and 20,000 people have been forced from their homes. The attacks have also resulted in more than 50 fatalities 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 he was performing his humanitarian duty and a two-year-old girl during a raid in Tulkarem.
Our work saves lives
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 vital supplies, such as water or electricity.
"Since the beginning of 2025, Israeli forces have killed 70 Palestinians in the West Bank"
2 | 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, characterised 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 UN, 68 percent of health service points in the West Bank are now unable to function for more than two or three days a week. Hospitals are functioning at only 70 percent 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.
3 | What is MSF's current response on the ground?
MSF teams 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 aid 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 Crescent Society to support vulnerable people with medical items, drinking water, bread, and nappies 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.
However, despite all this, we are committed to staying and supporting people across the West Bank.
MSF and the Israel - Gaza war
An unprecedented humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza. MSF teams have worked to treat the wounded and supply overwhelmed hospitals as indiscriminate airstrikes and a state of siege threaten millions of men, women and children.