TULKAREM, Palestine

Palestinians in the city of Tulkarem and its refugee camps in the northern occupied West Bank began returning to engage in recovery efforts after Israeli forces withdrew Thursday following a 48-hour siege.

The military’s departure led to a resurgence of activity in the once-deserted city streets as residents began repairs in areas damaged by Israeli heavy machinery.

Residents of the Nur al-Shams camp started addressing the destruction and reaffirming their commitment to remain on their land.

Despite the extensive damage, locals are working to restore the area and rebuild homes.

In a separate incident, Israeli forces demolished the home of Abduljabbar Fahd Dahduki, one of nine Palestinians killed in an airstrike on Aug. 4. Nearby residents reported that soldiers forcibly evacuated them and confined around 15 people in one room for hours.

Israeli operations continue in Jenin, with the Jenin refugee camp experiencing a complete power outage.

Israel launched a major offensive in the northern West Bank on Aug. 28, marking its most extensive operation since the Second Intifada in 2002.

To date, 17 Palestinians have been killed, dozens injured and 45 detained in the attacks.

At least 670 Palestinians have died since Oct. 7 last year in Israeli attacks in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas