Israeli forces pulled back from the city of Tulkarm this week only to return, leaving some residents asking whether it is worth rebuilding after destructive raids.The New York Times reports that weeks after Israeli military forces raided Rifat al-Tebe’s cellphone shop in Tulkarm, the shop owner has yet to fully repair the damage. Al-Tebe fears that any repairs he makes will be undone if the Israeli military returns to the area.

The city of Tulkarm, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has been the target of frequent and destructive Israeli military raids for months. These raids, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 39 Palestinians, have left residents unsure of whether to continue rebuilding their homes and businesses.

On August 28, Israel launched one of its most extensive and deadly raids in the West Bank in years, citing the need to root out armed fighters who have allegedly carried out over 150 attacks on Israelis in the past year. The military claims to have found weapons and explosives during these raids and has killed multiple fighters.

The Israeli military has not responded to requests for comment on Mr. al-Tebe’s account or the raids on shops in general. However, in the past, they have stated that they raid private property in search of suspects or lookout spots.

The raids, which have taken place in Tulkarm, Tubas, and Jenin, have resulted in the deaths of both armed fighters and civilians, including children. The United Nations agency that aids Palestinians reported that one of its employees was killed by a sniper in Tubas on Thursday, the first UNRWA staff member to be killed in the West Bank in over a decade.

During the raids, the Israeli military has used bulldozers to churn up roads in search of explosive devices and has carried out numerous airstrikes, a type of attack that was rare in the West Bank before the Hamas-led assault on Israel last October. As a result, thousands of Palestinians have been trapped in their homes for days.

In Jenin, where Israeli forces recently withdrew, workers are now trying to repair the damage caused by the raids, including torn-up roads and damaged sewage and water lines. While electricity has been restored, residents are still living in fear of future raids. 

Source:Read More