Escalating Conflict: Palestinians Suffer Amid Israel-Iran Tensions

In the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, Palestinian civilians are caught in the crossfire, enduring missile debris and inadequate support from authorities.

By Fatima AbdulKarim
Reporting from Ramallah, West Bank
June 16, 2025, 4:53 p.m. ET

As tensions between Israel and Iran escalated on Friday evening, the repercussions have been acutely felt in Palestinian communities, where debris from the conflict has wreaked havoc. Among those affected is Alaa Jaradat, a construction worker residing in the occupied West Bank, whose home suffered damage from missile debris, leaving his children with minor injuries. "We’ve had no help from the government, not even a warning," lamented the 43-year-old father, depicting the stark contrast between the protective measures available to nearby Israeli settlements and the vulnerability of Palestinian neighborhoods.

Since Friday's missile barrage, Palestinian civil defense spokesperson Nael Al-Azza reported that approximately 80 pieces of shrapnel have fallen on West Bank communities as a direct result of the confrontation. Unlike Israeli settlements, where bomb shelters and air raid sirens are common, Palestinian areas have little to no infrastructure for protection, which has exacerbated the fear and confusion among residents. Al-Azza confirmed that seven individuals sustained injuries due to the violence.

This lack of support from both the Israeli military and the Palestinian Authority has led to mounting frustration within the community. While the Palestinian Authority has issued warnings about unexploded ordnance, they have not provided sufficient guidance on how to cope with the current crisis. "I keep thinking about how I will repair the house and how we can regain any sense of safety — without any support or assistance from the government," said Mr. Jaradat, indicating that he has temporarily moved his family to a relative's home seeking safety.

Adding to the chaos, Israeli military operations and settler attacks continue throughout the West Bank, creating a sense of uncertainty and fear. Palestinians are also facing obstacles from Israeli checkpoints and roadblocks that hinder emergency services from reaching the injured. Ahmed Jibreel, head of the Palestinian Red Crescent, remarked, “Continuous passage is nearly impossible," explaining that injured individuals often have to be transported on foot across checkpoints, further delaying vital care.

With panic gripping Palestinian cities, residents have flocked to gas stations, fearing potential shortages as the conflict escalates. The situation has led to a grim new jest among Palestinians: “What’s the point of stockpiling fuel if you can’t move?” This encapsulates the ongoing struggle for civilians in a complex and volatile landscape, as they navigate the dire consequences of regional turmoil.