What is the situation in the West Bank since the ceasefire in Gaza?
Since Sunday 19 January and the implementation of the ceasefire, 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 of an estimated 150-180 homes, basic water and energy infrastructure, the displacement of 20,000 people and 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 performing his humanitarian duty and a two-year-old girl during a raid in Tulkarem.
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.
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 per cent of health service points in the West Bank are now unable to function for more than two or three days a week, and hospitals are functioning at only 70 per cent 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.
What is MSF's current response on the ground?
We 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 Cross Society to support vulnerable people with medical material, drinking water, bread, or diapers 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 the restrictions on movements caused by insecurity, we are committed to staying and supporting people across the West Bank.
