Israel Locks Down West Bank and Displaces Thousands in Hebron
Military raids across the territory have forced 2,200 residents from their homes following the fatal attack on an Israeli reserve base.
By Alessia Desai ·
Israeli forces have sealed off the city of Hebron, displacing 2,200 residents since Friday. The military action follows the killing of two Israeli soldiers by Palestinian gunmen at a reserve base. Both attackers died in the incident, triggering a regional response.
Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Ja'bari stated that soldiers used loudspeakers late at night to announce evacuation orders. Families had little time to prepare. By Saturday, the city was completely shut to traffic. Residents could neither enter nor leave the area.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full lockdown of the West Bank after the attack. Israeli forces conducted raids in at least 15 locations on Saturday. These areas included Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah in the north and center. Bethlehem and East Jerusalem were also targeted.
The Palestinian Prisoners' Society reported that Israeli forces arrested approximately 70 Palestinians during the raids. In Hebron, soldiers bulldozed homes and vehicles near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint. Al Jazeera journalists covering the operation were hit by a stun grenade fired by soldiers.
The Palestinian Authority described the military response as collective punishment. It cited the demolition of homes and the siege of cities. The PA urged the international community to apply pressure on Israel to protect residents. Hamas stated that the escalations by the occupation and settlers would fuel further outrage.
Issa Amro, a political analyst in Hebron, said 800,000 people in the governorate are under siege. He noted that all entrances and exits have been closed since morning. Amro said there is no safe place to hide inside the city and that fear is widespread among the population.
The military operations are taking place days before the Israeli parliamentary election on October 27. Correspondent Nour Odeh said politicians are trying to capitalize on the attack. She noted that Netanyahu and his Likud party are trailing in polls. They are presenting a strong stance on combatting Palestinians.
Netanyahu avoided confirming whether he plans to dismantle the Palestinian Authority. He stated that a big surprise awaits the organization. The election date remains fixed for October 27.
Source: Al Jazeera
