Israel removes around 250 Palestinian families from West Bank city of Hebron after soldier deaths

Israel removes around 250 Palestinian families from Hebron

Poinews.com – Israel removes around 250 Palestinian families from homes in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, after two Israeli soldiers were killed in a shooting near the city. Palestinian officials gave differing estimates of the number of households ordered to leave, ranging from 150 to 250.

Israeli forces entered several areas of Hebron and imposed sweeping movement restrictions after Friday’s attack. The two Palestinian gunmen were killed in an exchange of fire, while other soldiers were wounded.

Homes cleared as operation expands

In Ein Dir Baha, a neighbourhood between two hills, buildings marked with an X appeared to have been emptied. Streets were largely deserted as military vehicles patrolled the area and residents faced restrictions on entering or leaving.

Hebron Governor Khaled Dudin said the operation had reached about one-third of the city. He said forces first concentrated on the neighbourhood linked to the attackers, but warned that the measures could extend further.

“They started in the neighbourhood from which the people who carried out the attack came, but there is no guarantee that the operation will not expand,” Dudin said.

Dudin said around 150 households were affected. Hebron Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari and activist Issa Amro said Israel removes around 250 Palestinian families, highlighting uncertainty over the scale of the displacement.

“This amounts to collective punishment being imposed on civilians who have nothing at all to do with this,” Dudin said.

Al-Jaabari said local authorities would work to find shelter and assistance for people forced from their homes.

Road closures disrupt daily life

The Israeli military said it was carrying out detailed and targeted searches in the area where the gunmen had operated. It said the activity was expected to continue for several days.

Vehicle access through Hebron’s gates was closed, requiring Palestinians to pass on foot through military-controlled crossings. Taxis waited outside the barriers for passengers who had crossed the checkpoints, while local updates reported that all vehicle gates into and out of the city had been shut.

The restrictions affect travel to work, schools, medical appointments and family homes. For those displaced, the loss of access to their homes adds to the disruption caused by checkpoints, military zones and divided routes across Hebron.

Election pressure and wider West Bank tensions

The operation comes days before Israel’s election on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing a close contest against an opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot.

Netanyahu said he was considering an operation on a scale not seen since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967. His government has faced pressure from far-right allies demanding tougher action in the territory.

Itamar Ben Gvir, Netanyahu’s far-right national security adviser, has called for the Palestinian Authority to be dismantled. The authority administers parts of the West Bank under arrangements established through peace agreements in the 1990s.

Eisenkot also opposes a Palestinian state but has pledged action against settler violence. Security and West Bank policy have become central issues in the final days of the campaign.

Settler violence during olive harvest

Hebron’s latest restrictions come amid heightened violence during the annual olive harvest, an important cultural and economic period for Palestinian communities. Rights group Yesh Din documented 672 incidents of settler violence in the previous 26 days, with nearly half connected to the harvest.

As Israel removes around 250 Palestinian families from parts of Hebron, residents face uncertainty over when they may return and whether the military operation will spread to more neighbourhoods.

Frequently asked questions

How many families were removed from Hebron?

Palestinian officials reported different totals. The governor said about 150 households were affected, while the mayor and an activist said the figure could be as high as 250 families.

Why were restrictions imposed in Hebron?

The measures followed a shooting in which Palestinian militants killed two Israeli soldiers near Hebron. Israel said its forces were conducting targeted searches connected to the attack.

What travel restrictions are in place?

Vehicle gates into and out of Hebron were closed, forcing many people to cross military-controlled checkpoints on foot. Access conditions may change as searches continue.