Daijiworld Media Network - Hebron
Hebron, Nov 2: At least 537 Palestinian families, comprising approximately 3,361 people, have been forced to leave their homes as Israeli forces continue a military operation and impose a siege on several neighbourhoods in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron for the tenth consecutive day.
Hundreds of other residents remain trapped inside their neighbourhoods, facing severe restrictions on movement and access to essential services. Displaced families have also been unable to return to their homes, while local authorities warn that the continuing military operation is worsening the humanitarian and economic situation.
According to Hebron Governor Khaled Dudin, the displaced families include 232 infants, 1,193 children aged between two and 17, 326 older people, 147 pregnant or breastfeeding women, 32 persons with disabilities and 213 people suffering from chronic illnesses. Many are facing difficulties accessing healthcare and other essential services.
The Israeli operation began on October 23, following a shooting attack near Hebron in which two Israeli soldiers were killed. Israeli forces subsequently imposed extensive movement restrictions, closed roads and carried out searches and raids in the neighbourhoods of al-Jalda and Ain Deir Bahha, as well as surrounding areas.
Israeli authorities have said the operation is intended to prevent further attacks. However, Palestinian officials and residents have accused the military of imposing collective punishment and forcibly displacing civilians.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Israeli forces ordered residents of the affected neighbourhoods to evacuate through loudspeaker announcements, directing them towards designated evacuation points. The UN said approximately 3,000 Palestinians had been displaced from the affected area, although the figures were still being verified in its October 29 report.
The military restrictions have also disrupted education and healthcare. Palestinian officials said the wider offensive had affected hundreds of schools across Hebron Governorate, forcing students to shift to remote learning. OCHA reported that more than 251,000 students across 691 schools in the governorate moved to remote learning on October 25 and 26.
The Hebron Governorate has established a support and relief committee to assist displaced families. The committee has distributed food parcels, bread, mattresses, pillows, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, children's necessities and medicines. It has also been working to arrange temporary accommodation for families unable to return home.
The operation has inflicted considerable damage on homes, commercial establishments and infrastructure. According to figures released by the Hebron Municipality, Israeli forces had completely demolished 15 homes and other structures by November 1, while 327 businesses had been closed. Daily economic losses have exceeded 12 million Israeli shekels, estimated at around $3.8 million.
The economic impact has extended beyond the affected neighbourhoods, with businesses reporting disruptions to production, trade and the movement of goods. Local officials have warned that prolonged restrictions could further damage livelihoods across the governorate.
Israeli forces have also continued demolitions and the installation of mobile structures over Palestinian-owned commercial properties in the Old City. On October 29, troops closed the Bab al-Zawiya area, demolished a memorial and installed mobile units over several shops belonging to Palestinian residents near the old Hebron Municipality building. Shopkeepers were forced to close their businesses, while residents were prevented from accessing the area.
Palestinian officials view these developments as part of a wider effort to expand Israeli settler presence in Hebron's Old City and surrounding areas. The city has long been a focal point of tensions because of Israeli settlements located among Palestinian residential and commercial neighbourhoods.
The military operation has also been accompanied by a large-scale detention campaign. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that more than 115 Palestinians had been detained since the operation began, including a girl. Reports have also described arrests of journalists and other civilians during raids and confrontations.
The continuing siege has raised concerns over the future of displaced families, particularly as Israeli forces have threatened to expand the operation. On November 1, local sources reported additional military reinforcements and fresh restrictions around the affected neighbourhoods.
The operation has also drawn international concern. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk had earlier expressed grave concern over the military action and called for it to end, warning about the consequences of the displacement and restrictions imposed on residents.
The political implications of the operation have also come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the campaign could strengthen the position of far-right Israeli political figures who support expanding settlements and tightening control over Palestinian areas. Hebron is particularly sensitive in this regard because of the influence of hardline settler movements and their links with members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Reuters reported that Palestinian officials had accused Netanyahu of using the military operation to build political support ahead of an election. Israel, meanwhile, has maintained that its actions are aimed at preventing further attacks.
With the siege continuing, displaced families remain uncertain when they will be permitted to return. The restrictions have left thousands facing disrupted education, limited access to healthcare, loss of livelihoods and uncertainty over the future of their homes and businesses.