Israeli Forces Raid Qalandiya Refugee Camp in West Bank

Israeli forces launched a large‑scale military operation in the Qalandiya refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, according to statements from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The operation, which began early this week, involved ground troops and armored units moving through the camp’s densely populated streets. The IDF said the action was aimed at dismantling “terrorist infrastructure” that it claims is operating within the camp’s perimeter.

Qalandiya, home to thousands of Palestinian refugees, has been a flashpoint in the region’s long‑standing conflict. The camp’s proximity to the West Bank’s central road network makes it strategically significant for both Israeli security forces and Palestinian militant groups. Local residents reported heavy shelling and the presence of IDF checkpoints, while Palestinian authorities condemned the operation as a violation of international law and a threat to civilian safety.

The operation is part of a broader Israeli campaign to curb armed activity in the West Bank, following a series of escalations over the past months. Palestinian officials have called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the operation, while international observers have urged both sides to exercise restraint to prevent further civilian harm. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing monitoring by regional and global actors.