"October 7" raid to Qalandia and East Jerusalem

On Monday October 7, for the Annniversary of the ongoing war, Israeli soldiers invaded the Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, in the West Bank, fatally shot a Palestinian child, shot seven Palestinians, including three children, and abducted twenty citizens. Since early morning, large forces have stormed Qalandia Camp and Kafr Aqab, spreading throughout the camp and its main street. Storming houses , widespread arrests, and significant destruction inside homes.

Qalandiya is an Israeli military checkpoint located between Ramallah and Jerusalem in the occupied Palestinian territories. It is a crucial transit point for Palestinians traveling between the northern and southern parts of the West Bank. Approximately 9,000 vehicles pass through Qalandiya checkpoint daily, highlighting its heavy usage and importance for local commuters. Due to Israeli traffic restrictions, the adjacent road has become an essential route for movement from Ramallah to the southern West Bank.

Harassment of Palestinian Workers at Qalandiya checkpoint : Palestinian workers passing through the checkpoint to reach Jerusalem (Al-Quds) were subjected to special harassment and brutal and humiliating treatment by Israeli forces.

Fatal Shooting of a Palestinian Child:

On October 7, 2024, during an Israeli military incursion into Qalandiya and Kafr Aqab refugee camps in occupied East Jerusalem, 12-year-old Hatem Sami Hisham Ghaith was shot in the abdomen by Israeli forces. The child was transported to the Palestine Medical Complex, where he succumbed to his injuries due to severe bleeding and intestinal damage, as confirmed by the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Widespread Injuries and Casualties:

During the same raid, Israeli forces used live ammunition, injuring seven other Palestinians, including three children. One individual remains in critical condition after being shot in the head. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported treating the injured, most of whom suffered from live bullet wounds, while one individual was struck in the head by a rubber-coated steel bullet. 9 injuries were treated by Red Crescent crews from Qalandia Camp and Kafr Aqab near Jerusalem. 8 of the injuries were from live bullets, and one person was martyred after being killed by a rubber bullet in the head.

Violent Raids and Arrests:

• The occupation forces besiege all entrances to Qalandia camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, and deploy snipers on the outskirts of Al-Mukhayth.
• Israeli soldiers raided dozens of homes in Qalandiya camp, causing damage and arresting at least 20 Palestinians, including siblings and former political prisoners.
• In addition to the physical violence and arrests, Israeli forces confiscated dozens of vehicles owned by residents of Qalandiya camp and the neighboring town of Kafr Aqab.
• The Israeli forces were seen confiscated a luxury vehicle belonging to a resident during the raid. Some sources say it was an Israelien stolen vehicle (yellow imatriculation) -Violent confrontations have erupted in the alleys of Qalandiya camp and neighboring towns, resulting in injuries and fatalities, including the death of Hatem Ghaith.
• The Israeli forces were seen shooting towards civilian homes after being stoned.
• Roads around Qalandiya camp and the neighboring town of Kafr Aqab were blocked, further restricting movement and access to essential services for residents.
• Israeli occupation forces fire tear gas canisters at Palestinian youth during their raid into Qalandiya refugee camp north of occupied Jerusalem.
• “Who wants to be martyred today?” An armed Israeli soldier was seen mocking and provoking residents of Qalandia camp.
• The situation remains volatile, with Israeli forces continuing their military presence in the area.

Assault on Journalists :

During the ongoing military assault on Qalandiya and Kafr Aqab, Israeli forces assaulted journalist Ishaq Al-Khisbah while he was covering the events. Al-Khisbah was severely beaten and had to be hospitalized for treatment.

Broader Context of Clashes and Arrests in West Bank :

In recent days, Israeli forces have arrested at least 45 Palestinians across various governorates in the occupied West Bank, including Hebron, Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Jenin. The arrests include a journalist, a former prisoner, and dozens of others, adding to the total of over 11,100 Palestinians detained since the war began a year ago. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society and the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs confirm that Israeli forces not only target individuals but also threaten detainees and their families during these operations.

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