Chaos, tension at in Qalandia refugee camp near Jerusalem

World Today

Chaos- that’s how Palestinian Security Officials describe the Qalandia refugee camp.

It’s sandwiched between Jerusalem and Ramallah and houses 11,000 Palestinian refugees. Lawlessness, unemployment and despair are rampant. And becoming a martyr is seen as an honor.

CCTV America’s Stephanie Freid reports.

Under Israeli control since 1967, one out of five of the refugee camp’s inhabitants is unemployed. The Israeli army comes in to conduct raids or make arrests.

The camp is flush with weapons. Residents say every family has at least one member who has died, been wounded or arrested.

Plastered throughout the camp: images of “shaheed” or martyrs. Palestinians who attacked Israelis or participated in protests killed by Israeli soldiers or police.