Hebron sealed off as thousands flee homes
A strict military cordon isolates Hebron following a deadly attack, leaving residents stranded and prompting calls for global intervention.
By Juan Gonzalez ·
Israeli forces have sealed off Hebron, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes. This move follows a deadly attack in which two Israeli soldiers were killed. The military is now conducting raids across the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Authority has asked the international community to pressure Israel to protect the city's people.
Yousef al-Ja'bari, the mayor of Hebron, reported that 2,200 people have been displaced. He noted that hundreds of military raids have occurred since Friday. The conflict began when two Palestinian gunmen attacked an Israeli army reserve base. Both attackers and the two soldiers lost their lives in the incident.
Residents described hearing evacuation orders over loudspeakers late at night. Families had little time to gather belongings or find shelter. Al-Ja'bari stated that on Saturday, the city was completely closed. People could not enter or exit the area. This isolation has created a sense of urgency and confusion for those remaining inside.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full lockdown of the West Bank after the attack. Journalists documenting the destruction of homes and vehicles near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint faced military fire. Soldiers threw a stun grenade at the reporting team. On Saturday, raids were reported in at least 15 different areas. These locations included Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Al-Bireh, Birzeit, East Jerusalem, and Bethlehem.
The Palestinian Prisoners' Society said Israeli forces arrested about 70 Palestinians during the operations. The PA called the actions collective punishment. It highlighted home demolitions and the forced displacement of entire neighborhoods. The group urged the world to step in. Hamas released a statement saying that escalations by the occupation and settlers would only increase anger among the population.
About 200,000 Palestinians live in the city of Hebron. Another 600,000 live elsewhere in the Hebron governorate. This is the most populated area in the West Bank. Issa Amro, a local activist, said these 800,000 people are under siege. He noted that all entrances and exits have been closed since morning. He added that there is no safe place to hide inside the city and that fear is widespread.
The military operations are taking place just days before Israeli parliamentary elections on October 27. Nour Odeh, a correspondent in the West Bank, said politicians are trying to capitalize on the attack. Netanyahu and his Likud party are currently behind in the polls. Their right-wing coalition allies are also trailing. They are attempting to present a strong front by claiming they are combating Palestinians. Netanyahu hinted at a big surprise for the PA but did not confirm if he plans to dismantle it.
Source: Al Jazeera
