Israeli forces displace hundreds of Palestinian families in Hebron

Israeli military forces have launched a sweeping crackdown in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, demolishing homes and businesses and heavily restricting the movement of its 200,000 residents. BBC News World reported that the operation began after two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers on Friday, just days before Israel's election. Middle East Eye reported that Israeli troops sealed all entrances to the city, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. [1][3]

Outlets gave varying figures for the number of residents forced to leave their homes. BBC News World reported that hundreds of families were displaced, while Euronews reported that around 250 Palestinian families were removed. Middle East Eye reported that more than 2,200 people were forcibly evicted, whereas Al-Monitor, France 24, and Middle East Eye each reported the figure at around 1,500 to 2,000 residents. Photos and footage showed destruction by Israeli bulldozers, with Middle East Eye reporting that residents were evicted from the Ein Deir Baha neighborhood. [1][2][4][5][9][10]

In response to the military actions, the Palestinian Authority foreign ministry called on Saturday for urgent international action to stop forced displacement and protect Palestinians, according to Middle East Eye. Hebron Mayor Yousef Jaabari described the city as a disaster zone and accused Israel of imposing collective punishment. Middle East Eye also reported that Palestinian Red Crescent teams treated nine Palestinians, including six children, for tear gas suffocation in Halhul, north of Hebron. [2][3][6]

The military operation follows earlier actions in the area. As FTMQ World reported earlier, Israeli forces launched a targeted operation in Hebron after the shooting of two soldiers, which prompted warnings from human rights organization B'Tselem against collective punishment. [16]