Israeli Army Expands Operations in Hebron, Displaces 2,200 Palestinians
The Israeli army intensified its operations in Hebron in collaboration with Shin Bet, resulting in the displacement of 2,200 Palestinians and the closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque following an attack in the Fers al-Hawa area.
Translated by Qiyas from الوسط — Original source
The Israeli military escalated its military operations in the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, imposing a siege on the city and displacing approximately 2,200 Palestinians from the Al-Jalda and Deir al-Baha areas, according to Hebron Municipality Mayor Youssef al-Ja’bary, while the Palestinian Authority called for urgent international intervention to halt the Israeli measures.
The operation began following an attack carried out by two Palestinians on an Israeli checkpoint in the Farsh al-Hawa area surrounding Hebron. According to reports, the attack resulted in the killing of two Israeli soldiers and injured three others.
Al-Ja’bary stated that Israeli forces closed the city’s entry and exit points, restricted movement to and from Hebron, raided residential neighborhoods, and evacuated residents from their homes, in addition to demolishing houses and commercial shops in the Farsh al-Hawa area. He added that troops stormed the Ibrahimi Mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs), closed it, and prevented worshippers from reaching it.
Video footage showed Palestinian families, including women and children, leaving their homes during the night after Israeli forces ordered residents to evacuate the area. The escalation has disrupted schooling in schools and universities, halted transportation, and led to the closure of several factories, affecting the movement of people and goods.
For his part, the Israeli military announced that the operation is being carried out in coordination with the General Security Service (Shin Bet), the Border Police, and other military entities, stating that it aims to dismantle what it described as terrorist infrastructure, seize weapons, and interrogate suspects.
Israeli reports indicated that forces took control of buildings in the area, raised Israeli flags on them, and conducted searches, arrests, and security interrogations. Military spokesperson Eela Warawi said the operation is concentrated in the area from which the attackers launched their assault and is expected to last for several days.
In response to the displacement, the Palestinian Authority activated an emergency plan, while Palestinian families announced they are opening their homes and offices to accommodate those forced to leave their residences.
The escalation comes amid growing concerns over the expansion of Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank, with Palestinian calls for urgent international intervention to stop measures affecting civilians and their property.
