Hebron Mayor Reports 2,200 Displaced as Israel Seals West Bank Borders
A full lockdown follows a fatal ambush on a reserve base, isolating 800,000 residents and sparking arrests across fifteen districts.
By John Ferrari ·
Israeli forces have sealed the city of Hebron and conducted sweeping raids across the occupied West Bank following an ambush that killed two soldiers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the full lockdown after two Palestinian gunmen attacked an Israeli army reserve base on Friday. Both attackers were killed in the incident. The immediate result is a tight cordon around one of the region's most densely populated areas.
Yousef al-Ja'bari, the mayor of Hebron, stated that 2,200 residents have been forced from their homes. He reported that hundreds of raids have occurred since the attack. Al-Ja'bari noted that the city has been closed to entry and exit since Saturday. Residents described late-night announcements by soldiers over loudspeakers that gave families little time to gather belongings before leaving.
Israeli military operations expanded beyond Hebron to at least fifteen other locations on Saturday. These areas included Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Al-Bireh, Birzeit, Bethlehem, and occupied East Jerusalem. The Palestinian Prisoners' Society reported that forces arrested approximately 70 Palestinians during these actions. Journalists covering a bulldozing operation near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint reported that soldiers fired a stun grenade at them.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, characterized the military response as collective punishment. Officials cited home demolitions and the siege of cities as evidence. They urged the international community to apply pressure to protect residents. Hamas issued a statement arguing that the current escalation would only increase outrage among Palestinians.
Issa Amro, a political analyst based in Hebron, described the situation for the 800,000 people living in the governorate. He stated that all entrances and exits have been closed since morning, leaving the population under siege. He added that the city is in a state of fear with few safe places for residents to remain.
The military campaign occurs three days before Israeli parliamentary elections on October 27. Correspondent Nour Odeh observed that politicians are attempting to capitalize on the event. She noted that Netanyahu and his Likud party are trailing in the polls and are projecting a strong stance against the Palestinian population.
Netanyahu declined to confirm whether he intends to dismantle the Palestinian Authority. He told reporters that a big surprise awaits the organization.
