Israeli Forces Seize Hebron: Nearly 2,200 Palestinians Forced to Flee Their Homes Amid Intensified Military Pressure and Raids

A severe humanitarian crisis has emerged in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, as Israeli forces launch a new military siege and operation in the city. Around 2,200 Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes amid intensified Israeli military pressure and raids, according to Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Jabari. He shared the information and details of the current situation in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Mayor al-Jabari said Israeli forces launched surprise raids on Friday in the al-Jalda and Ain Deir Baha areas of Hebron. Around 2,200 Palestinians were forced from their homes during the operation. Since Israel declared a siege on the entire city of Hebron and closed access routes, local residents have been unable to enter or leave the city. According to the mayor, the move is not a response to an isolated incident but part of Israel’s policy of “collective punishment” against the Palestinian people.

Mr. Al-Jabari also alleged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was pursuing the forced displacement of Hebron’s residents to serve his political and electoral interests. As part of the operation, Israeli forces expelled all staff from the historic Ibrahimi Mosque, closed its main gates and completely banned prayers there.

The mayor warned that the humanitarian situation in the city had reached a critical stage. Local service organisations are working around the clock to meet residents’ urgent needs. Describing the Israeli military operation as entirely unjustified, the mayor said the lockdown and aggression had forced hundreds of factories and businesses in the area to close, pushing the local economy towards a severe collapse.

Source: Al Jazeera