Israeli forces launched simultaneous incursions into two areas of the occupied West Bank, intensifying tensions across the region. In the early hours, heavily armed soldiers entered the Deheishe refugee camp, located just south of Bethlehem. The raid triggered a wave of panic among local residents, with troops deploying sound bombs and tear gas throughout the narrow alleyways of the densely populated camp.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as families were jolted awake by the noise and fumes. Clouds of tear gas filled the air, seeping into homes and affecting dozens, including children and the elderly. In one reported incident, soldiers assaulted a small business owner operating a roadside kiosk along the Jerusalem-Hebron road. The reasons behind the altercation remain unclear, but it added to the growing sense of fear and disruption in the community.
Simultaneously, Israeli troops entered the village of Kafr Qaddum, situated to the east of Qalqilya. Soldiers moved in from the main entrance of the village, causing alarm among residents who feared another round of confrontations or possible arrests. Military vehicles patrolled the streets while residents watched apprehensively from their homes. The presence of the army was particularly tense, given the village’s history of weekly protests against the nearby Israeli settlement and long-standing road closures.
Though no arrests or home raids were confirmed during this operation, the incursion was seen as part of a broader pattern of escalating military activities across the West Bank. The continuous military presence and frequent night raids have contributed to a deepening sense of insecurity among Palestinian communities, especially in refugee camps and rural villages.
In recent months, such operations have become more frequent, often carried out under the pretext of searching for individuals or collecting intelligence. However, they frequently result in property damage, physical confrontations, and widespread psychological trauma. Residents report a growing fatigue and frustration as daily life becomes increasingly disrupted by these unpredictable military movements.
Children, in particular, are among the most affected. Many wake up in fear during nighttime raids, with the sound of boots and military vehicles echoing through the streets. Schools often open late or remain closed following such operations, further disrupting education and adding to the strain on already burdened communities.
The storming of Deheishe and Kafr Qaddum highlights the broader dynamics at play in the occupied territories, where military actions often escalate tensions and fuel cycles of protest and reprisal. Local leaders and community members continue to express concern over the long-term impact these operations have on stability and civilian well-being.
While no major clashes were reported during this particular operation, the psychological toll and potential for future unrest remain high. Residents in both areas remain on edge, anticipating possible follow-up raids or heightened military activity in the coming days. The situation reflects the fragile and volatile nature of life under occupation, where moments of calm are frequently interrupted by sudden bursts of violence and fear.
