Tens of thousands in the occupied West Bank are being barred from returning to their homes, almost one year since Israel launched a large-scale military operation in the territory, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
Out of 40,000 people who were forced to leave refugee camps in the northern part of the Palestinian territory earlier this year, 32,000 have not been allowed to return amid a "systematic demolition" of civilian housing and infrastructure, Roland Friedrich, director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank, told The National.
"This is a clear case of forcible displacement," he said.
Israel launched Operation Iron Wall in the West Bank in January, which has been described as one of the largest military offensives in the territory's recent history.
The Israeli military sent tanks, snipers and special forces into the city of Jenin, days after a ceasefire came into effect in Gaza, raiding refugee camps that were already struggling with difficult living conditions.
According to a UN report, the military assault resulted in the longest and most extensive displacement crisis since Israeli seized the territory in 1967.
"It was a new level of escalation not seen before," said Mr Friedrich.
Almost a year later, three of the besieged refugee camps in Jenin remain empty, he told The National.
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