Middle East Eye • June 18, 2026 14:48

After a year of displacement, Tulkarm's Palestinians allowed home for two hours

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Mojahid Nawahda
on
Thu, 06/18/2026 - 12:38

Residents granted brief access to retrieve belongings left behind after fleeing Israel's operation in the refugee camp

Palestinians collect their possessions as Israeli forces stand nearby in the Tulkarm refugee camp, northern occupied West Bank, 17 June 2026 (Mojahid Nawahda/MEE)
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Carrying nothing but identity cards, displaced Palestinian families lined up outside Tulkarm refugee camp on Wednesday morning, waiting for permission to enter homes they had not seen since January 2025.

More than 16 months after Israel launched its “Iron Wall” operation in the northern occupied West Bank, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians remain unable to return to their homes in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps.

Some 45 displaced families from Tulkarm refugee camp were granted access for only two hours to retrieve personal belongings left behind when they fled, in an arrangement coordinated through the Palestinian Civil Affairs Committee.

While the brief access offered residents a chance to recover some of their possessions, it did not mark a permanent return, as thousands of displaced camp residents continue to face uncertainty over when – or if – they will be allowed to go back to their homes.

Faisal Salama, the head of the Popular Committee in Tulkarm refugee camp, condemned the conditions imposed on the small number of residents allowed to enter the camp.

“These arrangements included body searches and the confiscation of communication devices, measures that are deeply humiliating and inconsistent with basic humanitarian principles and respect for civilians’ rights,” Salama told Middle East Eye.

He added that families were being given only enough time to collect essential belongings, while still being barred from returning to live in their homes.

“The camp belongs to its residents, yet it has effectively been turned into a military zone while its people remain displaced,” Salama said. “Thousands of families are still waiting for the opportunity to return and rebuild their normal lives.”

Memories of a life

As families moved through the camp’s narrow streets, many carried empty bags and carts, hoping to salvage whatever remained inside their homes. Some emerged with a handful of documents, clothing and personal items, while others found that damage to their houses had left little to recover.

Signs of destruction were visible throughout the camp, from homes and roads to other infrastructure. Residents walked cautiously through neighbourhoods they had not seen since their displacement, pausing frequently to look at familiar places transformed by months of military activity and forced absence.

For many, the visit was not only about retrieving belongings but also about confronting the reality of what had become of the homes and communities they were forced to leave behind.

Abdelhalim Turkman, one of the displaced residents allowed to enter the camp, described the visit as deeply emotional.

Palestinians retrieve a washing machine from Tulkarm refugee camp, 17 June 2026 (Mojahid Nawahda/MEE)

“This is the first time I’ve entered the camp in more than a year and a half,” Turkman said. “It’s very emotional to see my home and neighbourhood again. We came to collect some of our belongings, but what we’ve been through cannot be compensated.”

He said the brief visit reminded residents of what they had lost during their displacement and of the uncertainty that still surrounds their future.

“I hope the day comes when we can return and live here again,” he added.

Aisha Zeitoun, another displaced resident, said returning to her home after such a long absence was a painful experience.

“Walking back into my home after more than a year and a half was heartbreaking,” she said. “Every room holds memories of the life we once had, and seeing it again brought back so much emotion.”

Israeli forces stand guard in Tulkarm refugee camp on 17 June 2026 (Mojahid Nawahda/MEE)

When they stepped inside their home, Zeitoun's family were met with scenes of extensive destruction.

“We only had a limited time to gather what we could, but the destruction was overwhelming,” she said.

“We couldn’t even take many of our belongings because of the damage.”

While they were able to recover some possessions, Zeitoun said what residents truly seek is a permanent return, not just temporary visits.

“Today we’re leaving with only a few belongings,” she added. “But what we really want is the chance to come back home for good and rebuild our lives.”

A rare glimpse inside the camp

The residents of Tulkarm refugee camp have been displaced since 27 January 2025, when the Israeli military launched its operation in the camp. Since then, more than 10,000 residents have been forced out of their homes, according to local officials.

During the 19-day operation, around 40,000 refugees from the camps of Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams were forcibly removed from their homes by heavily armed Israeli special forces using armoured vehicles, drones and bulldozers.

Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has described the Israeli offensive as "the longest and most extensive displacement crisis since 1967". It estimates that 43 percent of Jenin, 35 percent of Nur Shams and 14 percent of Tulkarm refugee camps have been destroyed or severely damaged.

'The camp belongs to its residents, yet it has effectively been turned into a military zone while its people remain displaced'

- Faisal Salama, head of Tulkarm's Popular Committee

Many displaced families have since been living in difficult conditions in temporary accommodation, displacement centres, rented housing, or with relatives in nearby towns and villages.

According to local officials, the military operation has left widespread destruction across Tulkarm refugee camp. More than 1,100 housing units have been completely destroyed, while approximately 4,400 others have sustained partial damage.

The brief access granted offered families a rare glimpse inside the camp for residents who have spent months waiting outside its entrances. 

As the allotted two hours came to an end, families once again left Tulkarm carrying bags filled with whatever belongings they had managed to save. Behind them lay damaged homes, shattered memories and neighbourhoods that have stood largely empty since their displacement.

As they departed with documents, clothes and a handful of personal possessions, they also left with lingering uncertainty about their future, having received no assurances about when – or whether – they would be allowed to return permanently.

While the visit offered a fleeting reunion with the places they once called home, residents said they are still waiting for what they have sought since January 2025: the chance to return and rebuild their lives.

Occupation

Teebah Assi

Tulkarm refugee camp, occupied Palestine

Tulkarm refugee camp, occupied Palestine
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After a year of displacement, Tulkarm's Palestinians allowed home for two hours Submitted by Mojahid Nawahda on Thu, 06/18/2026 - 12:38 Residents granted brief access to retrieve belongings left behind after fleeing Israel's operation in the refugee camp Palestinians collect their possessions as Israeli forces stand nearby in the Tulkarm refugee camp, northern occupied West Bank, 17 June 2026 (Mojahid Nawahda/MEE) Off Carrying nothing but identity cards, displaced Palestinian families lined up outside Tulkarm refugee camp on Wednesday morning, waiting for permission to enter homes they had not seen since January 2025. More than 16 months after Israel launched its “Iron Wall” operation in the northern occupied West Bank, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians remain unable to return to their homes in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps. Some 45 displaced families from Tulkarm refugee camp were granted access for only two hours to retrieve personal belongings left behind when they fled, in an arrangement coordinated through the Palestinian Civil Affairs Committee. While the brief access offered residents a chance to recover some of their possessions, it did not mark a permanent return, as thousands of displaced camp residents continue to face uncertainty over when – or if – they will be allowed to go back to their homes. Faisal Salama, the head of the Popular Committee in Tulkarm refugee camp, condemned the conditions imposed on the small number of residents allowed to enter the camp. “These arrangements included body searches and the confiscation of communication devices, measures that are deeply humiliating and inconsistent with basic humanitarian principles and respect for civilians’ rights,” Salama told Middle East Eye. He added that families were being given only enough time to collect essential belongings, while still being barred from returning to live in their homes. “The camp belongs to its residents, yet it has effectively been turned into a military zone while its people remain displaced,” Salama said. “Thousands of families are still waiting for the opportunity to return and rebuild their normal lives.” Memories of a life As families moved through the camp’s narrow streets, many carried empty bags and carts, hoping to salvage whatever remained inside their homes. Some emerged with a handful of documents, clothing and personal items, while others found that damage to their houses had left little to recover. Signs of destruction were visible throughout the camp, from homes and roads to other infrastructure. Residents walked cautiously through neighbourhoods they had not seen since their displacement, pausing frequently to look at familiar places transformed by months of military activity and forced absence. For many, the visit was not only about retrieving belongings but also about confronting the reality of what had become of the homes and communities they were forced to leave behind. Abdelhalim Turkman, one of the displaced residents allowed to enter the camp, described the visit as deeply emotional. Palestinians retrieve a washing machine from Tulkarm refugee camp, 17 June 2026 (Mojahid Nawahda/MEE) “This is the first time I’ve entered the camp in more than a year and a half,” Turkman said. “It’s very emotional to see my home and neighbourhood again. We came to collect some of our belongings, but what we’ve been through cannot be compensated.” He said the brief visit reminded residents of what they had lost during their displacement and of the uncertainty that still surrounds their future. “I hope the day comes when we can return and live here again,” he added. Aisha Zeitoun, another displaced resident, said returning to her home after such a long absence was a painful experience. “Walking back into my home after more than a year and a half was heartbreaking,” she said. “Every room holds memories of the life we once had, and seeing it again brought back so much emotion.” Israeli forces stand guard in Tulkarm refugee camp on 17 June 2026 (Mojahid Nawahda/MEE) When they stepped inside their home, Zeitoun's family were met with scenes of extensive destruction. “We only had a limited time to gather what we could, but the destruction was overwhelming,” she said. “We couldn’t even take many of our belongings because of the damage.” While they were able to recover some possessions, Zeitoun said what residents truly seek is a permanent return, not just temporary visits. “Today we’re leaving with only a few belongings,” she added. “But what we really want is the chance to come back home for good and rebuild our lives.” A rare glimpse inside the camp The residents of Tulkarm refugee camp have been displaced since 27 January 2025, when the Israeli military launched its operation in the camp. Since then, more than 10,000 residents have been forced out of their homes, according to local officials. During the 19-day operation, around 40,000 refugees from the camps of Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams were forcibly removed from their homes by heavily armed Israeli special forces using armoured vehicles, drones and bulldozers. Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has described the Israeli offensive as "the longest and most extensive displacement crisis since 1967". It estimates that 43 percent of Jenin, 35 percent of Nur Shams and 14 percent of Tulkarm refugee camps have been destroyed or severely damaged. 'The camp belongs to its residents, yet it has effectively been turned into a military zone while its people remain displaced' - Faisal Salama, head of Tulkarm's Popular Committee Many displaced families have since been living in difficult conditions in temporary accommodation, displacement centres, rented housing, or with relatives in nearby towns and villages. According to local officials, the military operation has left widespread destruction across Tulkarm refugee camp. More than 1,100 housing units have been completely destroyed, while approximately 4,400 others have sustained partial damage. The brief access granted offered families a rare glimpse inside the camp for residents who have spent months waiting outside its entrances.  As the allotted two hours came to an end, families once again left Tulkarm carrying bags filled with whatever belongings they had managed to save. Behind them lay damaged homes, shattered memories and neighbourhoods that have stood largely empty since their displacement. As they departed with documents, clothes and a handful of personal possessions, they also left with lingering uncertainty about their future, having received no assurances about when – or whether – they would be allowed to return permanently. While the visit offered a fleeting reunion with the places they once called home, residents said they are still waiting for what they have sought since January 2025: the chance to return and rebuild their lives. Occupation Teebah Assi Tulkarm refugee camp, occupied Palestine Tulkarm refugee camp, occupied Palestine News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

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Thu 14:48 - Middle East Eye

After a year of displacement, Tulkarm's Palestinians allowed home for two hours