2,000 displaced as Hebron private citizens open doors

More than 2,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from their homes in Hebron, according to city officials. The figures include nearly half of those who are infants or under 18, along with 81 pregnant women and 204 elderly residents. The exodus began after Israeli forces declared a sweeping military assault on the city. This operation targets the neighborhood of two gunmen who were killed during an attack on a checkpoint earlier in the week.

The crisis in Hebron, the economic capital of the West Bank, escalated rapidly over the past few days. On Friday, two Palestinians attacked an Israeli military checkpoint in the Farsh Al-Hawa area. Two soldiers were killed and others injured. In response, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also holds the West Bank portfolio in the Ministry of Defence, ordered the demolition of a three-story building and industrial facilities in that area. Israeli forces subsequently placed the city under a strict lockdown.

Palestinian authorities in Hebron have declared a state of emergency to manage the growing humanitarian need. A crisis group comprising government agencies, private sector leaders, and civil society organizations was formed to coordinate the response. As temporary shelters filled, local philanthropists began offering their private residences to displaced families. Riyadh Khamis, a member of the committee, noted that the city has a history of social solidarity. He said, “Today, our neighbours needed help so we all rallied.”

Real estate developer Mohamed Al-Rujoob initiated the effort by announcing that his apartments in the nearby town of Dura were available to those who had fled. His action prompted other property owners to follow suit. Al-Rujoob now hosts three extended families, including 30 children. He stated, “We must preserve people’s dignity. Today, we host these good people. Tomorrow, who knows? It might be us who need shelter.”

Resident Fahd Ahmaro described the sudden departure of his family. He said they left with only the clothes on their backs, leaving savings, belongings, and documents behind. “I tried to go back after I got my family out safely, but I couldn’t. It’s not safe any more,” Ahmaro said. He felt compelled to seek shelter outside his neighborhood because the women and children were terrified.

The lockdown affects nearly 1 million Palestinians in the city and surrounding district. Movement restrictions have forced schools to switch to online classes. Universities have adopted similar arrangements for their 18,000 students until the operation concludes. The Fawwar refugee camp, home to nearly 8,000 Palestinians, was sealed on Saturday. Israeli soldiers closed the entrance gate, barring residents from entering or leaving, even on foot. Abdel Fattah Al-Ttitti, a teacher in the camp, described the situation as being “locked in.” He noted that while they could reach a clinic in Masafer Yatta if necessary, it is poorly equipped for emergencies.

Many residents view the military campaign through a political lens. Israel is holding a general election on Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is competing for right-wing votes. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Minister of Settlement Affairs Orit Strook, both of whom hold homes in settlements in the Hebron area, have supported the operation. They refer to the displacement of Palestinians as encouraging voluntary migration.

The Israeli army confirmed the status of Hebron as a locked-down zone. The restrictions have severely impacted the West Bank’s largest district. Residents remain in their homes or in the private apartments of neighbors. The military operation continues as local leaders and property owners work to house the displaced.