UN: Israeli operations in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camp damaged 1,000 homes and displaced families

UN humanitarian teams reported damage to housing and infrastructure and the displacement of families after operations in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps on Dec. 24–25.

UN spokesperson Farhan said a joint assessment by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNRWA and humanitarian partners found that more than 1,000 housing units and about 100 shops were damaged by explosions or bulldozing. The teams estimate that over 20 families — comprising more than 90 people — were displaced.

Farhan said damage to infrastructure disrupted electricity, water and sewage networks. In response, OCHA and partners have mobilized humanitarian action to truck water, install new water tanks, provide vacuum sewage operations, distribute hygiene kits and deliver emergency cash assistance to affected households.

The UN spokesperson said teams visited the area on the Tuesday following the operation and provided the assessment to the UN system. He did not provide localities' names beyond the refugee camps cited or monetary valuations of the damage during the briefing.

Ending: UN agencies said immediate priorities include restoring water and sanitation services and providing emergency relief to displaced families while monitoring further humanitarian needs in the affected camps.