Israeli military forces conducted a raid in the Qalandiya refugee camp located in the occupied West Bank near Ramallah, entering residential homes and commercial establishments. During the operation, authorities issued warnings of potential demolitions targeting various businesses within the camp. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that eight Palestinians sustained injuries and required hospital treatment as a result of the military action.
According to camp officials, the operation resulted in at least 20 arrests, and Israeli soldiers positioned themselves on rooftops throughout the residential area. The stated purpose of the raid remains unclear to residents and observers, who are uncertain whether the action was connected to arrest operations, intelligence gathering, or other objectives. Additionally, some businesses operating within areas under Jerusalem municipality control were reportedly shut down by Israeli forces during the operation.
Concerns have emerged among Palestinian residents regarding potential connections between the raid and broader settlement expansion plans. In 2023, the Israeli government announced plans for constructing a large settlement containing approximately 9,000 housing units at the location of Jerusalem’s former Atarot airport, adjacent to the refugee camp. Local residents have expressed apprehension that the current military operations may be part of a strategy to facilitate future eviction and construction, though Israeli authorities have not made any official statements confirming this link.
The raid occurred amid a reported increase in military operations across the occupied West Bank, with Palestinians documenting approximately 50 raids daily in recent weeks. Journalists documenting the operation reported facing obstacles to their work, with one reporter allegedly assaulted by soldiers.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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