Nihad Abu Shaweesh, head of the Popular Services Committee in Nour Shams Camp, highlighted the "The repercussions of the destruction of infrastructure on the lives of Palestinian refugees in the West Bank camps" during the radio program "Citizenship Issues Under a Microscope" broadcasted on Raya FM. Abu Shaweesh addressed how the targeting of infrastructure in the camps during Israeli attacks has affected refugees' access to public services.
Abu Shaweesh stated that the Israeli occupation, under the current extremist government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, is targeting all aspects of life in the camps to force residents out and make the environment unlivable.
According to Abu Shaweesh, the occupying forces are destroying infrastructure, streets, electricity, and water systems, making it difficult for residents to access essential services and remain in the camp. This creates significant challenges for the camp’s residents, particularly for the elderly and children.
He explained that the ongoing situation constitutes systematic violence intended to make the camp uninhabitable. He also noted that the Popular Committee and relevant authorities are actively working to restore normalcy as much as possible, allowing residents to continue their lives there.
Abu Shaweesh also discussed the challenges of reconstructing the camps following the destruction of their infrastructure and the efforts to support these processes. He stressed that the assistance provided is insufficient to meet the residents' needs for rebuilding Nour Shams Camp and its infrastructure. He noted that the camp has been completely destroyed, necessitating a coordinated effort from all parties involved.
He also indicated that residents are unable to move between streets due to the extensive destruction in the camp, which also prevents students from reaching their schools amid widespread sewage problems. Abu Shaweesh emphasized that UNRWA is severely neglecting its responsibilities toward the refugees in the camp. He stressed the need for all organizations to collaborate in restoring basic living conditions, ensuring access to electricity and water, so that life can return to normal.
Social activist Alaa Talooza from Tulkarem refugee camp discussed the impact of infrastructure destruction on the availability of clean water and electricity, and how refugees are adapting to this harsh reality. She highlighted that the repeated destruction, especially in Tulkarem and Jenin refugee camps, worsens the situation with each incident.
Talooza highlighted how the destruction leaves residents without water or services for extended periods, complicating the implementation of solutions. While reconstruction may seem straightforward, it requires consistent and sustained effort. She indicated that the sewage and water lines remain damaged but emphasized, "We are working through grassroots efforts to provide water tanks for the residents of the camp." She also discussed the pressing humanitarian crises faced by refugees following the destruction of infrastructure by the Israeli occupying forces. She stated, "The most urgent crisis we face after the withdrawal of the occupying forces is mobility within the camps. There are no streets, and the roads are heavily damaged, making it difficult for both the elderly and children to move from one area to another or even check on their homes." Additionally, she noted that the recent crises have left refugees feeling terrorized and intimidated by the occupying forces, pushing many people toward displacement.
Talooza stressed that the occupying forces deliberately destroy properties during searches, including homes, streets, and first aid posts, while arresting paramedics and leaving a criminal imprint on everything to instill fear and drive people away. She stated, "The occupying forces have also prevented the wounded from accessing clinics and medical centers, deliberately setting fire to homes, leading to a loss of security and safety in the camps." She emphasized the severity of the water crisis, explaining that the occupying forces intentionally damage water tanks through gunfire, shelling, or sharp tools, worsening the suffering of the people.
Asem Mansour, Head of the Popular Services Committee in Far'a refugee camp, also discussed the impact of the destruction of public facilities on people's ability to sustain their lives. Mansour stated that the Israeli government is tightening its grip on Palestinians in the camps in an attempt to displace them, but he asserted that this will not happen. He added, "We in the camps have become accustomed to resilience and challenge; we have experienced all the Intifadas, and our people continue to innovate time and again." He continued, "Even in the simplest situations, the Israeli occupying forces close roads to the camps and prevent vehicles from entering, yet our injured still manage to reach hospitals, and aid continues to flow."
Mansour highlighted that the residents of the camps have a rich history, noting that the national movement in Palestine has its roots in these camps. He acknowledged that suffering persists, with the occupation tightening its grip even further and employing psychological terror through killing, destruction, and intimidation. However, he emphasized that the Palestinian people remain steadfast on their land and will not be deterred.
He concluded, "The suffering is immense and tragic," expressing gratitude to the Palestinian Ministries of Local Government and Public Works and Housing for their ongoing efforts to restore basic living conditions in the camps after repeated Israeli assaults. He noted that the cost of Israeli aggression is high, and repairing the resulting damage is challenging, particularly due to a lack of support and funding. He stated, "We are working to find alternatives to provide water and electricity to the residents of the camps until a permanent solution can be implemented."
- “Citizenship Issues Under a Microscope” radio program is a social initiative produced by REFORM and broadcasted via Raya FM, which aims to promote an inclusive, pluralistic system of government that meets the needs of citizens and is grounded in the value of citizenship.