Thread by @theIMEU

THREAD: This week marks the 20th commemoration of Israel’s brutal invasion of the #Jenin refugee camp & its 39-day military siege of Bethlehem, including shelling the Church of Nativity while 200 #Palestinians were trapped inside.

On April 3, 2002, the Israeli military began its violent invasion of the Jenin refugee camp. Killing dozens of #Palestinian women, children, & the elderly. Human rights groups document that Israel purposefully targeted Palestinian civilians & vital infrastructure.

Amounting to war crimes, during Israel’s 2002 invasion of Jenin, horrific reports emerged that the Israeli military deliberately targeted Palestinian civilians, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and even Palestinians trying to seek shelter and safety.

Palestinian homes and critical infrastructure were intentionally targeted by the Israeli military during the 2002 invasion of Jenin, decimating 35% of the city, turning 3,000 Palestinian refugees homeless once again.

Just miles away, on April 2, 2002, at 2 AM over 250 armed Israeli tanks, trucks, F-16 fighter jets, & apache gunships, raided the Bethlehem district, including nearby towns Beit Sahour & Beit Jala, placing the entire area under military siege for 39-days.

During Israel’s siege of Bethlehem, the military repeatedly shelled the Church of Nativity, filling it with teargas while 200 Palestinians & clergy were trapped inside. The Israeli military even targeted aid workers trying to provide humanitarian aid to those trapped inside.

At least 7 Palestinians were killed and hundreds were injured during Israel’s 2002 siege of Bethlehem. In an attempt to break the steadfastness of the city amid the siege, the Israeli military raided dozens of Palestinian homes to arrest Palestinian youth.

The siege of Bethlehem & Jenin massacre both took place during Israel's invasion of the West Bank from March 29-April 21, 2002, also raiding Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarem & Qalqilya. At least 7k Palestinians were arrested & 497 Palestinians were killed by Israel during these attacks

In 2022, Israel’s systemic violence against #Palestinians only continues to intensify & is met with more impunity from the U.S. & international community. In March alone Israel killed 11 Palestinians, including 5 children just in 2022.