"Israel" has set conditions for the return of residents to refugee camps in the northern West Bank, particularly Jenin, following their displacement earlier this year during so-called military operations that destroyed large parts of the camps, according to Israeli media.
According to an Israeli Channel 15 report, "Israel" has set five key conditions for the residents’ return, the most significant of which is the exclusion of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and other international organizations from managing the camps. Under this proposal, the Palestinian Authority would assume full responsibility for providing services to residents.
Israeli sources told Channel 15 that this condition is “the most important” in any agreement. "Israel" views the removal of UNRWA as a step to transform the camps from internationally recognized areas linked to the right to return into zones fully administered by the PA, which "Israel" considers a move toward putting an end to the refugee issue.
The Palestinian Authority, however, has firmly rejected this proposal, describing it as politically sensitive and indicative of an attempt to “erase” or abandon the refugee issue, the channel reported.
According to Israeli sources cited by Channel 15, fulfilling the primary condition of excluding international organizations is crucial; failure to do so would block any progress on other aspects of the return process. The PA’s rejection stems from concerns that managing the camps independently could be interpreted as relinquishing the refugees’ rights.
"Israel" has stressed that without an agreement on this condition, returning to the camps will not be possible, and no discussions on other requirements will take place. An Israeli security official noted that if a consensus is reached on excluding relief organizations, there might be room for flexibility on the remaining demands.
Other conditions set by "Israel" include allowing returns only after the Israeli army completes restructuring of the area, coordinating all road construction with the military, and obligating the PA to establish checkpoints and police stations to prevent entry by individuals "Israel" labels as "terrorists". In addition, all infrastructure projects, including electricity and water, would need to be installed underground.
In January 2025, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) launched a large-scale military campaign in the northern West Bank, targeting refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams. The campaign, referred to in Israeli media as "Operation Iron Wall," began on January 21, 2025, with the stated aim of dismantling armed groups and destroying alleged militant infrastructure.
The military offensive resulted in widespread destruction of homes, roads, and public infrastructure across the targeted camps. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have documented extensive damage and described the campaign as a form of mass forced displacement.
Entire families were forced to flee under heavy bombardment, with no safe routes provided, and many remain unable to return due to the scale of devastation.
By November 2025, over 30,000 Palestinians remained displaced in the West Bank as a result of ongoing military operations. In Jenin alone, aerial raids and ground incursions left large portions of the refugee camp in ruins, with residents reporting demolished homes, water and electricity cuts, and trauma among children and elderly civilians.