The Israeli military has issued demolition orders for 25 residential buildings in the Nur Shams refugee camp located in the northern West Bank, according to statements from local authorities on Monday. The planned destruction, scheduled for December 18, 2025, is expected to impact approximately 100 family dwellings within the camp.
Abdallah Kamil, Governor of Tulkarem governorate where Nur Shams is situated, confirmed receiving official notification from COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories), the Israeli defense ministry body responsible for civilian coordination in occupied Palestinian territories. Faisal Salama, head of the popular committee for the nearby Tulkarem camp, provided additional details regarding the scale and timing of the planned demolition operation.
This development occurs within the context of an extensive Israeli military operation initiated in early 2025 that remains ongoing. The operation, described by Israeli authorities as targeting Palestinian armed groups, has focused on refugee camps throughout the northern West Bank region, including Nur Shams, Tulkarem, and Jenin camps.
The military campaign has already resulted in significant displacement, with over 30,000 residents unable to return to their homes since the operation began. Israeli forces have systematically destroyed hundreds of houses within the camps’ dense alleyway networks to facilitate troop movement and military access.
Nur Shams refugee camp, like similar camps throughout the West Bank, originated following the establishment of Israel in 1948, which precipitated the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. These camps have evolved into densely populated neighborhoods that maintain distinct administrative status separate from adjacent cities, with refugee status perpetuated across generations.
The Israeli military declined to provide immediate comment when contacted by news agencies regarding the demolition orders.