Palestinian strategic experts believe this is not a temporary military campaign but a deliberate policy to change the demographic structure. In recent years, Israeli occupiers have expanded illegal settlements, increased budgets, and now use road networks to divide the West Bank into separate sections. Key roads like Route 90 (along the Jordan border), Route 60 (separating north and south), and Route 1 (connecting the eastern part through Jerusalem to Tel Aviv) control Palestinian movement. These have turned the West Bank into small, isolated "islands," limiting Palestinians' access.
The goal of this policy is to reduce the Palestinian population through violence, demolitions, and restrictions. UNRWA has warned that repeated operations have made these camps unlivable, leading to cyclical displacement. Recent demolition orders will affect hundreds of families in Nur Shams camp. Experts say this differs from the open displacements of 1948 and 1967—now it's a "quiet forced expulsion," without official announcement, gradually pushing Palestinians toward Jordan. Pressure is increasing especially on areas where Palestinians hold Jordanian passports.
In 2025, the Israeli government approved a record number of settlements—19 new ones announced in December, bringing the total to dozens in recent years. This is all aimed at ending the possibility of a Palestinian state. Settlements are illegal under international law, but Israeli ministers openly state this is to block a Palestinian state.
This displacement is not just loss of homes but an attack on Palestinian identity and rights. The United Nations and human rights organizations are calling it ethnic cleansing. New geographic realities are being imposed by evicting Palestinians from their land. There is an appeal to the international community to stop this policy, otherwise Palestinian existence in the West Bank will be in danger. Tolerance and justice are needed so that some hope for peace remains.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
