An Israeli soldier was critically wounded Thursday during a raid in a Palestinian refugee camp near Ramallah. The military said he was rushed to the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem where he remains sedated and on respiratory support.
According to available details, the incident took place at around 5 a.m. as Duvdevan special forces, who specialize in undercover urban warfare, entered the al-Amari refugee camp near Ramallah to arrest terror suspects.
The troops were acting on intelligence provided by the Shin Bet security agency.
As the mission progressed, a small riot erupted and local resident began stoning the troops. As the soldiers were approaching the home of one of the suspects, a large block was dropped on them from the rooftop and despite wearing a helmet, the soldier sustained a severe head wound.
He was treated on site and evacuated to the hospital, while the rest of the unit completed the mission.
A defense official said riots of this nature often accompany IDF raids in the West Bank.
"They [rioters] have no qualms about dropping anything off the roof on the troops – refrigerators, washing machines, firebombs, blocks or very large rocks – anything to harm the soldiers or impede their operation.
"Duvdevan troops are prepared for these scenarios. The raids they carry out are usually highly sensitive as they involve terrorists on the most wanted list. It's not unusual for the immediate environment to resort to extreme violence, including the use of firearms," he said.
Also on Thursday, a Palestinian was arrested after opening fire at a Border Police post in Gush Eztion. No injuries were reported.
The suspect fled the scene by car, then opened fire on an IDF force giving chase, causing their armored vehicle to crash into his own. He attempted to flee on foot, but the soldiers engaged and apprehended him.
He was found in possession of a firearm and a knife and was handed over to the Shin Bet for interrogation.
