Israeli forces carried out home demolitions in Hebron on Friday targeting two brothers, Ahmad and Hammouda al-Jaabeh, in connection with an attack that occurred on October 23 near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint. The assault killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others. Military engineers spent approximately nine hours placing explosives before detonating the structures, with the operation continuing as part of a broader military campaign in the southern West Bank city.
The demolitions and accompanying security operations have resulted in significant displacement. According to the Hebron municipality, approximately 4,969 Palestinians from 780 families have been displaced by the offensive, which began eight days prior to the Friday demolitions. At least 120 Palestinians have been arrested since the operation commenced, with hundreds more subjected to interrogation. The Israeli military has also targeted commercial infrastructure, demolishing at least 13 businesses near the checkpoint area.
Military forces have established control over the Ein Deir Bahha neighborhood, with troops converting several homes into military barracks and command centers. Residents of the neighboring al-Jalda area remain confined to their homes. Israeli officials have signaled plans to accelerate demolitions in Area C, the portion of the West Bank under full Israeli control, following authorization by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
On Friday, displaced residents gathered near the al-Jalda roundabout to protest, calling for the siege to end and demanding access to return to their homes. An academic expert characterized the operation as collective punishment aimed at weakening Palestinian resolve, while describing it as politically motivated rather than security-focused. Hamas condemned the actions as part of a systematic campaign and called for international intervention.
The escalation in Hebron reflects broader patterns of military and settler activity across the occupied West Bank, which have intensified in recent periods.
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