YWCA of Palestine: Statement on the raid in Jenin
On the morning of 26 January, Israeli occupation forces (IOF) conducted a raid in the Jenin Refugee Camp in the north of the occupied West Bank. They fired live ammunition, killing at least nine Palestinians, including one elderly woman identified as (Majida Obaid, 60) and two children. Over 20 people were reportedly injured and four of them remain in critical condition.
The Ministry of Health pointed that all the casualties, including a child, sustained gunshot wounds in the chest, shoulders, abdomen and lower extremities.
During the raid, the Israeli soldiers completely destroyed the Jenin Camp Club.
This was the highest number of people killed in a single raid in the West Bank since 2005. So far this year, 28 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli occupation forces and two more by settlers in the occupied West Bank. This brings the death toll to more than one Palestinian a day.
The YWCA of Palestine strongly condemns this violent attack against the Jenin Refugee Camp, and the killing and wounding of Palestinians. None of this violence would occur if Israel were to end its illegal, half-century old occupation immediately and unconditionally as required by international law.
We call on the international community to take concrete measures to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and continued violations of Palestinians’ rights.
Our prayers and thoughts are with our partners, volunteers and beneficiaries in Jenin. The YWCA of Palestine implements several projects aims to promote the protection and reintegration of women and girls subjected to violence as well as survivors in marginalized areas in Palestine by targeting refugee camps, including Jenin Refugee camp. Also, through our community based partner “Not to Forget Association”, we implement youth projects that aims to empower youth to be active citizens and leaders in their communities and take part in achieving just peace in Palestine and building a better future for all.
We express our deepest condolences to the grieving families who have lost a beloved.