Israeli Border Police Arrest Suspect Digging Tunnel Near Separation Barrier in Qalandiya

During an operational activity by Israeli Border Police forces in the Qalandiya area near Jerusalem, observers from the Atarot command center identified several suspects digging a shaft close to the separation barrier. The suspects appeared to be attempting to dig a tunnel. Upon receiving the report, Border Police forces were dispatched to the scene to apprehend the suspects. As the forces approached, the suspects fled, prompting a foot pursuit during which warning shots were fired into the air.

The pursuit ended with the arrest of a 36-year-old man from the Qalandiya refugee camp who was found to be in Israel without legal authorization. The suspect led the officers to the dug shaft and initially claimed the tunnel was intended to infiltrate Israeli territory. At the site, digging tools and numerous buckets believed to be used for the excavation were discovered.

The suspect and the seized items were transferred to the Border Police's investigation and intelligence unit in the Jerusalem area for further questioning. The investigation is ongoing, with additional arrests expected.