Nasser Faratawi examines the remains of his shop in Tulkarm, located in the occupied West Bank. The establishment, once a popular venue for wedding decorations, now lies in ruins, with burned items scattered throughout. The Israeli military took over the property on March 3, giving the family limited time to evacuate as part of a larger operation in the nearby Tulkarm refugee camp. According to Nasser, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) utilized the building as a military base for about three-and-a-half months before allegedly setting it on fire.
On June 11, Nasser observed a fire engulfing his shop and warehouse from a distance. He described the destruction as heart-wrenching, noting that he had invested over 30 years into building his business. Returning to the property recently, he found extensive damage, including graffiti and destruction of personal belongings. The IDF has stated they are unaware of any acts of arson by their soldiers and have acknowledged that they are reviewing a complaint regarding the incident.
In the broader context, the West Bank has seen rising tensions and increased Israeli military operations since the outbreak of conflict associated with Hamas-led attacks in October 2023. The UN reports that over 900 Palestinians have been killed in military actions or settler violence, while more than 60 Israelis have died in clashes. The IDF often uses Palestinian homes as temporary bases during operations, citing security needs.
The UN has documented extensive property destruction in the West Bank, with over 1,400 demolition orders issued this year. Assistance for displaced residents has been limited, especially as the Palestinian Authority faces financial constraints. Nasser estimates his losses to be around $700,000 and is seeking aid from international organizations while expressing his desire for peace.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3ye45lrl1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss