Israeli military forces have carried out an extended operation in the Qalandiyah refugee camp in the West Bank, prompting concerns among residents that a broader campaign may be underway. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began the operation in the early hours of Wednesday, maintaining a presence in the camp for over 15 hours. During this time, soldiers conducted arrests, raided homes, and repurposed several buildings into military outposts and interrogation centers.

Palestinian residents reported that under the imposed military restrictions, movement in and out of the camp was severely limited. One resident recounted that a friend who left his home Thursday morning was detained, had his car keys confiscated, and was told they could be returned only the following day. This contributed to an atmosphere of heightened tension and fear, as locals expressed worry that Qalandiyah might experience an escalation similar to recent military operations in the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams.

Mohamad Saeed, an activist with the camp’s Popular Services Committee, described the situation as unprecedented in recent months, noting that the camp had largely remained calm. He condemned the current wave of raids and arrests, emphasizing the distress caused by the conversion of residential houses into military positions. “Homes were selected based on their geographic location and turned into military positions and interrogation centers. That creates a tremendous sense of fear among residents,” Saeed said. He also referenced statements by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who indicated preparations for potential occupation of additional refugee camps, adding to residents’ uncertainty over the operation’s duration and objectives.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Israel’s civilian administration arm in the Palestinian territories, issued a statement attributing the imposed movement restrictions and disruptions to ongoing terrorist activity. Meanwhile, Palestinian medical teams reported casualties arising from the operation. The Palestinian Red Crescent said its medics had treated at least 10 individuals injured during the clashes and evacuated several patients. It also reported that overnight access to the camp was blocked for medical personnel, leaving some Palestinians in need of treatment without timely assistance.

The Jerusalem Governorate of the Palestinian Authority criticized the military operation, suggesting it aims to expand the model of large-scale operations seen in the northern West Bank into the Jerusalem area. Its statement highlighted what it described as an excessive military presence, including snipers, roadblocks, raids on homes and businesses, the targeting of the Popular Services Committee offices, detentions, on-site interrogations, and the distribution of warning leaflets—measures surpassing what Israel publicly defines as security protocols.

Amid these developments, residents of Qalandiyah remain apprehensive about the current operation and its potential implications. While Israeli authorities frame it as a targeted security measure, Palestinians in the camp fear it may signal a more prolonged and comprehensive military approach that could significantly alter life in the area.