Israeli forces mounted an unusually large daytime incursion into central Ramallah and neighbouring Al-Bireh on 26 August, deploying snipers, armoured vehicles and additional reinforcements. Troops sealed off Al-Manara Square, occupied rooftops including that of Arab Care Hospital, and raided several currency-exchange businesses, removing equipment and detaining staff. The Palestinian Red Crescent said 18 civilians were treated for live-fire and stun-grenade injuries, among them a child and two women, and that its ambulances were prevented from reaching parts of the city for roughly three hours. Palestinian news agency Wafa put the injury toll at 19. Eyewitness reports described indiscriminate gunfire and the arrest of multiple residents, including at least two elderly men. Israeli public broadcaster Kan and other Hebrew-language outlets said the operation sought to shutter exchange offices and confiscate cash allegedly channelled to militant organisations. The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately release casualty figures but described the raid as a “decisive, exceptional” mission. Street clashes continued into the late morning as additional units fanned out across the commercial centre.