Hebron Crisis: 2,000 Displaced as Private Citizens Offer Homes
Following a checkpoint attack, Israeli forces have locked down the city, forcing residents to shelter in neighbors' apartments and private buildings while schools move online.
By Layla Petrov ·
Residents of the West Bank city of Hebron are opening their private homes to displaced neighbors after Israeli forces launched a sweeping military operation in the area.
The operation began following a Friday attack on a military checkpoint in the Farsh Al-Hawa district, which killed two Israeli soldiers and injured others. In response, the Israeli army demolished a three-story building and industrial facilities in that neighborhood. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also holds the West Bank portfolio in the Ministry of Defence, stated he ordered the destruction. Israeli forces have since forcibly displaced more than 2,000 Palestinians. City officials report that nearly half of those displaced are babies and children under 18. The group also includes 81 pregnant women and 204 elderly residents.
Fahd Ahmaro, a resident who left his home with his family, said he planned to stay but felt compelled to seek shelter elsewhere because his women and children were terrified. He noted that the family left with only the clothes on their backs, leaving their savings, belongings, and documents in the house. Ahmaro attempted to return to retrieve items after securing his family but found it unsafe to do so.
Palestinian authorities in Hebron declared a state of emergency and formed a crisis group involving government agencies, the private sector, and civil society. Riyadh Khamis, a member of that committee, said local philanthropists opened their homes to prevent displaced Palestinians from staying in temporary shelters. He noted that the city has a history of social solidarity, having provided aid during the COVID-19 lockdown and previous conflicts. He stated that neighbors rallied to help when others needed assistance.
Real estate developer Mohamed Al-Rujoob owns several apartments in the nearby town of Dura. He announced that his properties would be available to displaced families, a move that prompted other owners to offer their spaces. Al-Rujoob now hosts three extended families, including 30 children, in his apartments. He said the goal is to preserve people's dignity and noted that while he hosts others now, he may need shelter in the future under the occupation.
The Israeli army has placed Hebron on lockdown, a measure affecting nearly 1 million Palestinians in the city and surrounding district. The restrictions have forced schools to shift to online classes. Hebron’s universities have made similar arrangements for their 18,000 students until the military operation ends. The measures are affecting the Fawwar refugee camp, home to nearly 8,000 Palestinians, where soldiers closed the entrance gate on Saturday. Residents are barred from entering or leaving, even on foot.
Abdel Fattah Al-Ttitti, a school teacher living in the Fawwar camp, said residents are locked in. He noted that if a medical emergency occurs, patients may be taken to a clinic in Masafer Yatta, but he described that facility as poorly equipped. He said online classes are the only option until the campaign is over. Many residents believe the military campaign has a political dimension because Israeli voters will go to the polls on Tuesday for a general election. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is seeking right-wing votes, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Minister of Settlement Affairs Orit Strook both own homes in settlements in the Hebron area.
Both ministers support the removal of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza, a process they describe as encouraging voluntary migration.
