2,200 Hebron Residents Displaced as West Bank Sealed After Fatal Ambush
Israeli forces conducted hundreds of raids across 15 areas following the death of two soldiers in a base attack on Friday.
By Adewale Fletcher ·
Palestinian authorities in Hebron report that 2,200 residents have been forced from their homes since Israeli military operations began on Friday. The displacement occurred as the city entered a full lockdown, cutting off entry and exit routes for approximately 200,000 people living within city limits.
The crisis escalated after two Palestinian gunmen attacked an Israeli army reserve base on Friday. Both attackers and two Israeli soldiers died in the engagement. Following the incident, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a comprehensive lockdown of the West Bank. Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Ja'bari stated that hundreds of raids have taken place since the attack, leaving residents with no time to prepare when soldiers issued evacuation orders over loudspeakers late at night.
On Saturday, Israeli forces conducted operations in at least 15 areas across the region. Locations included Jenin and Nablus in the north, Ramallah, Al-Bireh, Birzeit, and East Jerusalem in the center, and Bethlehem in the south. The Palestinian Prisoners' Society reported that approximately 70 Palestinians were arrested during these raids. In Hebron, journalists documenting the bulldozing of homes near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint were targeted by soldiers who fired a stun grenade.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, characterized the military actions as collective punishment. Officials cited home demolitions and the forced displacement of entire neighborhoods as evidence of a siege strategy. They urged the international community to apply pressure on Israel to protect residents. Hamas also issued a statement, claiming that escalations by the occupation and settlers would fuel further outrage among the population.
Issa Amro, a political analyst based in Hebron, described the situation for the 800,000 residents of Hebron governorate. He noted that all entrances and exits had been closed since the morning, leaving people with no safe place to hide. The city is currently under siege, with residents living in fear due to the ongoing military presence.
The military campaign is unfolding days before Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. Correspondent Nour Odeh reported that Israeli politicians are attempting to capitalize on the attack to influence voters. Netanyahu’s Likud party and its right-wing coalition allies currently trail in the polls, prompting them to project strength by emphasizing their combat efforts against Palestinians.
Netanyahu addressed the future of the Palestinian Authority without confirming specific plans. He stated that a big surprise awaits the organization, while avoiding a direct answer on whether he intends to dismantle the governing body.
