Israeli bulldozers demolish Palestinian homes in West Bank refugee camps

WEST BANK, Jan 01 (Agencies): Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank watched as Israeli military bulldozers tore down their homes Wednesday in Nur Shams refugee camp, part of an almost year-long campaign in northern West Bank camps.

Since early 2025, Operation "Iron Wall" has damaged or destroyed at least 850 structures across Nur Shams, Jenin, and Tulkarem, according to satellite analysis by Human Rights Watch. The demolitions have forced tens of thousands from their homes, resulting in the largest displacement in the West Bank since Israel captured the territory in 1967. Many now live with relatives, in rented apartments, or in public buildings.

Earlier, the Israeli military said its forces killed a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank in the early hours on Thursday as they opened fire on people who were throwing stones at soldiers.

Thousands stage pro-Gaza

rally in Istanbul

Thousands joined a New Year's Day rally for Gaza in Istanbul Thursday, waving Palestinian and Turkish flags and calling for an end to the violence in the tiny war-torn territory.

Demonstrators gathered in freezing temperatures under cloudless blue skies to march to the city's Galata Bridge for a rally under the slogan: "We won't remain silent, we won't forget Palestine," an AFP reporter at the scene said.

More than 400 civil society organisations were present at the rally, one of whose organisers was Bilal Erdogan, the youngest son of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.