Israeli Forces Enforce Siege on Anata and Shuafat in Occupied East Jerusalem

According to Saednews, The Al-Quds Governorate said Israeli forces had blocked roads leading to Anata and the Shuafat refugee camp since early morning, preventing Palestinians from entering or leaving the two areas.

The imposed siege and curfew forced schools and kindergartens in Anata and Shuafat to suspend classes. Shopkeepers were also prevented from opening their businesses, according to the governorate.

The restrictions have severely disrupted commercial activity and everyday life for an estimated 80,000 Palestinians living in the affected areas.

The governorate reported that Israeli forces were conducting a large-scale arrest campaign, with around 100 Palestinians reportedly detained, including a woman. Raids and on-site interrogations were continuing.

Dozens of homes in Anata and Shuafat were also searched, with residents questioned during the raids. Israeli forces reportedly entered several shops and private facilities, forcing open doors at some locations and damaging property and belongings inside.

According to an Anadolu correspondent, Israeli forces remained stationed across residential neighborhoods and major streets, while strict military restrictions continued at the Shuafat checkpoint.

Local sources told Anadolu that, in some cases, Israeli forces allowed people to enter the area but prevented others from leaving.

Dozens of Palestinians reportedly spent hours overnight inside their vehicles after the restrictions prevented them from reaching their homes. People who had traveled from outside Anata and Shuafat were also left stranded after roads were closed.

The Al-Quds Governorate further said Israeli forces were blocking ambulance crews from reaching patients and emergency cases, warning that the restrictions could have serious consequences for residents in need of medical assistance.

The governorate condemned the ongoing siege and restrictions, describing them as a “dangerous escalation” and “collective punishment” that threatens the lives and fundamental rights of tens of thousands of Palestinians.

The Israeli army said Monday that it had launched what it described as a “focused” operation in Anata and Shuafat, but did not provide a timeframe for how long the operation would continue.

The Al-Quds Governorate said the latest raids were similar to an Israeli military operation conducted in the Qalandia refugee camp in early August. It accused Israel of maintaining a policy of collective punishment against Palestinian communities surrounding Al-Quds.

The latest developments come amid a significant increase in violence across the occupied Palestinian territories. According to UN data, attacks by Israeli settlers have reached “unprecedented levels,” with more than 1,400 incidents involving casualties or property damage recorded in 2026.

Approximately 750,000 Israeli settlers live in 516 settlements and outposts across the occupied West Bank, including East Al-Quds.

Israeli military operations and settler violence targeting Palestinians and their property in the occupied West Bank, including East Al-Quds, have intensified since the Gaza war began in October 2023.