In brief
In a swift military operation, Israeli troops have demolished dozens of homes in Hebron’s Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al‑Hawa areas, forcing thousands of Palestinians to abandon their homes. The demolition follows a deadly shooting at a checkpoint that claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers. Netanyahu announced the operation as part of a larger, unannounced plan to strike terror infrastructure, while the Palestinian Authority demands urgent international intervention. Far‑right ministers in Israel have called for harsher measures, echoing tactics used in Gaza. Local officials report that as many as 1,000 families have been displaced, with many left sleeping on the streets.
The Israeli military has launched a sweeping demolition campaign in the West Bank city of Hebron, razing hundreds of homes and businesses in the Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al‑Hawa neighbourhoods.
Bulldozers have flattened entire streets, and dozens of houses have been marked for removal. Witness footage shows debris strewn across the city as Israeli forces continue the strike.
Local officials say the operation is a response to a shooting at an Israeli checkpoint that killed two soldiers and injured three more. The gunmen were reportedly from the neighborhoods targeted for demolition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the operation on Friday, stating that the Israeli army would go house to house to remove weapons and destroy terrorist infrastructure. He added the fight would continue for several days as part of the largest military operation in the West Bank since 1967.
Hebron’s mayor, Youssef al‑Jaabari, said more than 1,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes, with many told to abandon their vehicles. The mayor attributed the timing of the move to Israel’s upcoming national elections, suggesting the strategy aims to secure far‑right and settler votes.
In a statement, the Palestinian Authority called for “urgent international action that goes beyond condemnation” to prevent further forced displacement. The PA demanded that the World Health Organization and human‑rights body investigate the actions of the Israeli army.
Meanwhile, far‑right ministers in Israel have called for harsher measures. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that the West Bank should “receive the same treatment as Gaza or Lebanon.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged dismantling the PA entirely.
The Israeli Defence Forces issued a brief statement that it had dozens of targets across the West Bank and would continue its operations over several days. It declined to comment further on the displacement figures.
The upheaval has displaced more than 200 families, according to Palestinian officials, though local estimates vary. Families have been left sleeping on streets, with some experiencing morning displacements without the protection of their cars.
