Following an attack on an Israeli military checkpoint in the Farsh Al-Hawa area of Hebron that resulted in casualties, Israeli forces have launched a military assault on the West Bank city. The operation has led to the forced displacement of more than 2,000 Palestinians, with city officials noting that approximately half are children under 18, along with 81 pregnant women and 204 elderly residents.
Palestinian authorities declared a state of emergency and established a crisis response group to address the displacement. Private citizens have responded by opening their residences to affected families. Real estate developer Mohamed Al-Rujoob announced that several apartments he owns in nearby Dura would be available for displaced residents, and other property owners subsequently made similar commitments. Al-Rujoob currently hosts three extended families, including 30 children, in his properties.
The military lockdown has affected nearly 1 million Palestinians in Hebron and the surrounding district. Educational institutions have transitioned to online learning, with Hebron’s universities serving 18,000 students through remote instruction during the operation. The Fawwar refugee camp, home to approximately 8,000 Palestinians, has been isolated with its entrance sealed, restricting movement and access to medical facilities.
Observers have noted potential political dimensions to the military campaign, occurring as national elections approach. Government officials including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Minister of Settlement Affairs Orit Strook, both residing in illegal settlements in the Hebron area, have supported policies described by critics as promoting ethnic cleansing.
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