Qalandia under siege: Israeli army expands assault for second day
The Palestine Chronicle reports on 6 August 2026:
Key Developments
- Israeli occupation forces continued their assault on Qalandia refugee camp and nearby Kafr Aqab for a second day.
- Three Palestinians were seriously injured and dozens suffered tear gas inhalation during the raids.
- Around eight Palestinian homes were seized and converted into military outposts, while more than 20 arrests were reported.
- The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society said more than 60 Palestinians, including women and children, were detained for field interrogations amid reports of beatings, torture, and forced displacement.
Israeli occupation forces intensified their military assault on the Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, for a second consecutive day on Thursday, carrying out widespread raids, mass arrests, and turning Palestinian homes into military outposts as the operation expanded across the camp.
Palestinian officials said the offensive left several Palestinians seriously injured, dozens suffering from tear gas inhalation, and entire neighborhoods under siege while Israeli troops continued to deploy reinforcements.
Homes Seized, Residents Forced Out
Mohammad Aslan, head of the Qalandia Refugee Camp Popular Services Committee, said three Palestinians sustained serious injuries after being severely beaten by Israeli soldiers, including one man who suffered a skull fracture.
He added that approximately 60 Palestinians suffered suffocation from tear gas fired throughout the camp.
Aslan described conditions inside Qalandia as “extremely difficult,” saying Israeli forces ransacked homes, stole cash and gold jewelry from several families, and converted around eight Palestinian homes into military outposts after forcing residents to leave.
The number of documented arrests has reached more than 20 Palestinians, although local officials warned the figure is expected to rise as the operation continues.
“It is shameful that the world sees what is happening in the Qalandia refugee camp and remains idle,” Aslan said. “We hope the international community awakens from its silence over the torture and abuse inflicted on the residents.”