Israeli forces displace hundreds of Hebron families during military operation

Israeli forces displaced hundreds of Palestinian families and began demolitions in Hebron in the occupied West Bank during an operation launched after two Israeli soldiers were killed in a gunfight near the city on Friday.

The Israeli military said the operation, conducted with the Shin Bet and Border Police, was intended to locate and dismantle what it called “terrorist infrastructure” and weapons. It said the two suspected Palestinian attackers were killed in the gunfight and described its searches as targeted and limited to the area where they had operated.

Estimates of the displacement varied. Hebron Governor Khaled Dudin said 150 families had been affected, while Mayor Youssef al-Jaabari and activist Issa Amro put the number at about 250 families. France24 reported that a Palestinian official said around 1,200 people had been forced from their homes and another 1,300 could face displacement.

Residents told Middle East Eye and the Associated Press that soldiers ordered them to leave with little notice, sometimes during the night, and that many took only clothing, documents and small personal bags. The military said residents could depart through designated exits.

The army initially said the operation was expected to last several days. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation later reported that forces had searched about 500 buildings, found two weapons and were preparing to conclude the operation within days. The Palestinian Authority called for international pressure on Israel over the displacement.