Israeli forces raid West Bank refugee camp, make arrests

Israeli forces raided the Kalandia refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, restricting access for journalists and residents. Approximately ten armored military vehicles entered the camp, with soldiers preventing anyone from entering or leaving.

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Security forces are carrying out an operation in the territory of the Kalandia camp to prevent terrorism and apprehend wanted individuals.

A military spokesperson stated that the security forces were conducting an operation to "prevent terrorism and apprehend wanted individuals," targeting "terrorist elements, terrorist infrastructure, and weapons storage and smuggling." The Israeli Defense Ministry unit responsible for civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories issued a statement in Arabic, asserting that the camp would not be allowed to become a "center of terrorism."

Mohammad Aslan, a spokesperson for the committee managing the Kalandia camp, reported that at least 20 people were arrested. He also stated that Israeli soldiers occupied the rooftops of several buildings within the camp. Video footage released by the Palestinian local authority showed camp streets blocked by debris and stones, with furniture overturned inside a raided home. Residents attempted to hinder the movement of Israeli forces.

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We will not allow the camp to become a center of terrorism or a safe haven for terrorists and criminals, just as we do not allow it in other camps throughout Judea and Samaria.

Concerns have been raised among Palestinians that these raids and demolitions might be linked to a strategy of displacement, particularly in light of plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to build a new settlement near Kalandia. However, no official statements from Israeli authorities have confirmed such a strategy.

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Israeli soldiers arrested at least 20 people and took up positions on the roofs of several houses in the camp.