Palestinian Refugees Face Dire Conditions Amid Conflict

The Ghanem family, among an estimated 32,000 Palestinians expelled by the Israeli military from refugee camps in the occupied West Bank, now faces precarious living conditions. Following the Israeli military's operations in early 2025, which included demolishing homes in Tulkarm, Nur Shams, and Jenin camps, the family has been forced to reside in a makeshift shack with minimal protection from the elements. The situation has worsened since the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, leading to Iranian rockets being intercepted over the West Bank. The Palestinian Civil Defence rescue service reports that over 270 pieces of missile debris have fallen in the region, posing additional dangers to the displaced families.

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The Israeli military justified its actions by citing the need to dismantle civilian infrastructure that could be exploited by militants. However, Human Rights Watch has labeled these expulsions as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Ghanem family, previously living in a three-story house adorned with trees and flowers, now struggles to meet basic needs. Areej Ghanem, a family member, described the traumatic experience of soldiers breaking into their home at night, leading to their displacement.

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The Ghanem family's economic situation has deteriorated significantly since their displacement. Areej, the only working member, earns a meager income as a maid, while her father, Mahmoud Ghanem, is 89 years old. The family has not been able to afford meat for over a year, highlighting the severe food insecurity they face. Madleen Ghanem, another family member, expressed the harsh reality of their living conditions, stating, "We can't even provide basic food."

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Despite living separately, the family attempts to maintain connections, gathering weekly to foster a sense of normalcy. They meet at a roadside playground, where they share meals and create memories amidst the ongoing turmoil. Madleen dreams of completing the house they started building before the conflict escalated, while Areej emphasizes the importance of family unity, stating, "Either we die together or we live joyfully together."

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The Israeli military has not publicly commented on the Ghanem family's specific case or the broader implications of their military operations. The lack of adequate shelters in the West Bank exacerbates the dangers faced by families like the Ghanems, who have no safe refuge from the ongoing conflict.

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Human Rights Watch and various humanitarian organizations have condemned the Israeli military's actions in the West Bank, arguing that the forced expulsions and destruction of homes violate international law. Critics emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and protection for displaced families, who are caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.

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• "The children were terrified by the sound of the rockets." — Madleen Ghanem, Family Member

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• "Honestly I have no hope for the future. We can't even provide basic food." — Areej Ghanem, Family Member

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• "Either we die together or we live joyfully together." — Areej Ghanem, Family Member

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