TULKAREM — Israeli forces have flattened large parts of two refugee camps in Tulkarem during a military sweep for Palestinian militants, leaving thousands displaced and residents devastated.

Bulldozers demolished homes and cut wide roads through the camps, displacing at least 40,000 people, according to the UN. Residents, given just hours to collect belongings, fear the destruction aims to erase not just their homes but their refugee identity and claim to return to ancestral lands.

The army plans to raze over 100 more buildings this week as part of its “Iron Wall” operation, which began in January during a Gaza truce. “We’ve lost everything,” said 66-year-old Omar Owfi, who retrieved belongings as gunfire and explosions rocked the camp.

Many residents believe the operation’s goal extends beyond military needs — to undermine the camps’ symbolism and Palestinians’ right of return, a claim Israel’s government rejects.

The Israeli supreme court has temporarily frozen further demolitions, but much damage is already done. “They don’t care what the house is worth — they just want to demolish,” Owfi said. “We’re the ones losing.”