SAFA— Israeli forces continued their large-scale military raid on Qalandiya refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, for a second consecutive day on Thursday, leaving at least 11 people injured, detaining at least 20 Palestinians, demolishing commercial properties, and imposing sweeping restrictions across the camp.
According to Mohammed Saeed, media and public relations officer at the Popular Committee for Services in Qalandiya Camp, the Israeli operation has continued for nearly 40 hours, accompanied by widespread house raids, arrests, assaults on residents, and the conversion of several homes into military outposts and field interrogation centres.
Speaking to Safa News Agency, Saeed said Israeli forces allegedly confiscated cash and gold jewellery during house searches and severely assaulted several young men.
He said at least 20 Palestinians have been detained since the operation began on Wednesday, warning that the number is expected to rise as the raid continues.
Saeed reported three serious injuries caused by severe beatings, including injuries to victims' hands, legs, and other limbs. He also said more than 60 residents suffered tear gas inhalation as Israeli forces continued operating inside the camp.
He added that the prolonged use of tear gas has further worsened residents' health conditions, while Israeli forces have prevented ambulance crews from entering the camp.
Israeli bulldozers also began demolishing several commercial shops along Airport Street on the western edge of the camp, Saeed said.
He described conditions inside Qalandiya as "extremely difficult," citing heavy military reinforcements, the closure of the main access road, and the near-total disruption of civilian movement.
According to Saeed, the military operation has particularly affected children, elderly residents, and people suffering from chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, many of whom require regular medication.
He also warned of growing food shortages, explaining that many families rely on purchasing daily necessities and are unable to stockpile supplies, increasing pressure on residents as the military operation continues.
Saeed described the raid as part of a systematic campaign targeting Palestinian refugees, arguing that the measures are politically motivated rather than driven by security concerns.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society said its medical teams treated 11 people injured during the Israeli raid and evacuated several patients requiring urgent medical care.
According to the organisation, a 50-year-old man was transferred to hospital after being assaulted by Israeli forces, while another young man received treatment at the scene for injuries sustained during beatings.
The Red Crescent also said Israeli forces prevented its ambulance crews from entering the camp overnight and ordered them to leave despite reports of additional injured residents who remained unreachable.
In a related development, Israeli forces evacuated the home of resident Mohammed Jamil Ammar, planted explosives inside the building, partially demolished it, and later arrested him.
The Israeli military launched the operation early Wednesday in Qalandiya refugee camp and the nearby town of Kafr Aqab, north of occupied Jerusalem. The operation has included raids on dozens of homes, the conversion of residential buildings into military positions, restrictions on dawn prayers at local mosques, and widespread arrests and assaults on residents.
The operation comes amid longstanding Israeli settlement plans targeting the northern Jerusalem area, which local officials say are aimed at reshaping the area's geographic and demographic character.
Source : Safa News