The fragile balance between Jerusalem’s routine and Ramallah’s unrest was exposed again in broad daylight. As Jerusalem residents went about their daily lives, Israeli forces carried out a rare and dramatic operation against a Hamas-linked financial institution just a short drive away
Israeli raid captures millions near Jerusalem
The tense operation unfolded on Tuesday morning when Israel Defense Forces troops from the Binyamin Brigade, backed by the elite Duvdevan Unit and Border Police, stormed a currency-exchange business in the center of Ramallah. According to Israeli intelligence, the shop was funneling funds to Hamas operatives for terror activities against Israeli civilians
Hundreds of thousands of shekels in cash and coins – close to one million shekels – were seized on the spot. Soldiers counted the money inside the store before sealing it in bags and transferring it for further investigation. Five suspects were arrested and taken for interrogation
#فيديو| مشهد يوثق سرقة جنود الاحتلال لمبالغ مالية ضخمة من محل صرافة خلال اقتحام مدينة رام الله اليوم pic.twitter.com/xI6WgD1J4n
— وكالة شهاب للأنباء (@ShehabAgency) August 26, 2025
Rare daytime raid in Ramallah’s Manara Square
The operation was unusual because it took place in broad daylight, in the bustling heart of Ramallah near Manara Square and within sight of the Muqata presidential compound. Normally, Israeli forces enter this area only under the cover of night. The bold daylight timing was meant to surprise the network and prevent the transfer of funds before they could be hidden
Heavy forces and sealed streets
Palestinian sources reported that large Israeli contingents moved in, with the first undercover team arriving in a civilian van with Palestinian license plates. Only once the perimeter was secured did armored military vehicles roll in. Snipers took positions on rooftops and in nearby apartments, while soldiers blocked streets leading to the exchange shop. According to local witnesses, the operation lasted several hours
بمركبة مدنية.. اللحظات الأولى لبدء اقتحام قوات الاحتلال لمدينة رام الله، اليوم. pic.twitter.com/kCpb8ygbU3
— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) August 26, 2025
Clashes erupt, dozens injured
As word spread, local youths rushed to the scene and tried to disrupt the raid. Clashes broke out, with Israeli forces deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported 58 injuries, most from gas inhalation and rubber bullets, and claimed that eight were hit by live fire fragments. Three people were taken to hospital for treatment
The juxtaposition was stark: calm streets in Jerusalem, only minutes away, contrasted sharply with violent confrontations in Ramallah. The raid highlighted once again how Jerusalem’s daily rhythm is tied to the turbulence in its Palestinian neighbor
