'Israeli' forces conduct second-day raids around Qalandiya refugee camp

• 'Israeli' forces carried out a second day of raids around Qalandiya camp, closing roads, storming buildings, and disrupting schools.
• Military vehicles entered near the former Jerusalem airport, while Operation Capital Defender targeted structures in Kafr Aqab.

'Israeli' forces carried out a second consecutive day of military operations in areas surrounding the Qalandiya refugee camp north of occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday, sealing roads and deploying reinforcements in a new escalation, the Jerusalem Governorate reported.

Increased Military Presence and Road Closures

The forces entered Al-Kuds Road adjacent to the camp and positioned themselves along Institute Street before advancing toward Airport Road, significantly increasing their presence in the area.

Sections of the separation barrier at the end of Airport Road were removed to allow the entry of dozens of military vehicles near the site of the former Jerusalem International Airport.

The raids coincided with the morning school commute, causing confusion and tension as heavy military vehicles moved through the area and multiple main and secondary roads were closed.

Additional reinforcements were deployed toward the airport area, while local authorities announced school closures due to roadblocks and severe disruption to civilian and vehicle movement.

Raids on Residential Buildings

'Israeli' forces also stormed residential buildings in the area, forcibly evacuated residents, and positioned soldiers and snipers on balconies and rooftops of high-rise buildings.

The forces reportedly fired tear gas, sound bombs, live ammunition, and rubber-coated bullets, while also issuing traffic violations and deliberately damaging civilian vehicles.

The governorate described the raids as part of a systematic policy to tighten colonial control over Jerusalem’s surroundings, citing official 'Israeli' reports acknowledging gaps in the separation wall that are being used as a pretext for intensified military operations.

Second Day of Escalation

Earlier in the week, Israeli Occupation Forces carried out a similar raid on Monday evening, storming the camp amid the firing of sound bombs and tear gas, with no injuries reported. Wednesday’s operation represents the second day of escalation in the area.

Operations in Kafr Aqab

Simultaneously in Kafr Aqab, hundreds of 'Israeli' Border Police, IOF troops, and municipal teams launched Operation "Capital Defender" to allegedly enforce governance and demolish what they claim are unauthorized structures.

Impact on Civilians and Daily Life

Areas north of Jerusalem, particularly around the Qalandiya refugee camp, have seen repeated raids by 'Israeli' forces, including road closures and searches, affecting daily life for Palestinians, particularly students and workers.

Since the war in Gaza in October 2023, 'Israel' has intensified military actions across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, including killings, arrests, home demolitions, and severe restrictions on Palestinian movement.