In brief
Hebron’s governor said Israeli troops had pulled from the city after a ten‑day siege, enabling displaced families to return and schools to resume. Palestinian security forces now control the area. The event followed an Israeli attack that killed two soldiers and raises questions about Israel’s strategy amid upcoming elections.
The governor of Hebron, Khaled Dudin, announced on Monday that Israeli forces had withdrawn from the southern West Bank city after a 10‑day siege that began on October 23. The announcement followed an Israeli attack that killed two soldiers and wounded three others, leading Israeli forces to kill the two believed attackers. The withdrawal allowed displaced families to return and schools to reopen.
Mayor Youssef al‑Jaabari told Al Jazeera that the municipality was officially informed of the withdrawal at 6 a.m. (04:00 GMT). He said, “For the first time in 10 days, schoolchildren are going to their schools; university students are now on their way to their universities.” Five universities had been closed during the siege, he added. The shutdown had halted economic, educational, health, and municipal services in the city.
Governor Dudin stated, "Palestinian security forces have taken full control of the area following the Israeli withdrawal," adding that authorities were monitoring the situation to ensure residents could return safely. The Israeli military had imposed a severe blockade that displaced more than 500 families and forced 317 shops to close during the siege.
Residents who had fled the city described hardships at the frontline of the siege. Al Jazeera reporter Mohamed al‑Atrash noted that vehicles carrying displaced families began arriving minutes after the governor’s announcement. Some returning residents said soldiers had rendered homes used as military posts unusable, while others said money and personal belongings were taken. Al‑Atrash added that the Israeli military destroyed the homes of the two attackers during its operation, and civil defence teams warned that some walls were on the verge of collapse.
The siege also involved the seizure of homes in Al‑Jalda and Ein Deir Baha, which were converted into military posts. Palestinians accused the Israeli forces of extensive property damage in the city and surrounding villages. The blockade prevented any entry or exit, stopping all aspects of normal life.
The events have raised questions about Israel’s strategy in the West Bank amid upcoming elections. The timing of the siege, the severity of the blockade, and the subsequent withdrawal have come under scrutiny by civil society groups and political analysts. Some argue the military operation was intended to demonstrate control, while others point to the displacement numbers and impact on civilian infrastructure as indicators of a broader policy approach.
The withdrawal's aftermath has seen Palestinian security forces reasserting authority over Hebron. They have been coordinating with local authorities to restore municipal services, reopen schools, and assist displaced families in reoccupying homes that were damaged or confiscated. The governor’s announcement was a key moment in the city’s recent conflict, signaling a shift in control and an attempt to mitigate the humanitarian fallout.
In the larger context of West Bank governance, the incident underscores the tension between Israeli military operations and Palestinian civil administration. The displacement of more than 500 families, the closure of 317 shops, and the damage to homes have all highlighted the fragility of civic institutions amid ongoing conflict. Local communities are now advocating for transparent oversight of reconstruction efforts and accountability for the destruction caused during the siege.
As the Israeli government prepares for its forthcoming elections, the Hebron case will likely influence voter perceptions of military conduct and civilian protection. The extent to which Jerusalem’s security protocols will be recalibrated in light of the civilian disruption remains to be seen, but the withdrawal and its consequences illustrate the complex interplay between military strategy, civil authority, and everyday life in occupied territories.
The restoration of life in Hebron, marked by returning families, reopening schools, and resumed economic activity, marks a critical point in the city’s ongoing struggle for stability and governance. The events that unfolded in October and November highlight both the immediate impacts on ordinary citizens and the broader civic stakes at play for institutions, elections, and public accountability in the region.
