Hebron Evacuations Leave Thousands Without Return Date

Residents of Hebron now face an indefinite period of displacement after Israeli forces established new checkpoints and ordered evacuations from several neighborhoods. Riad Khamis, the spokesperson for Hebron’s official Support and Relief Committee, stated on Monday that the military gave families very little time to pack their belongings. He further noted that authorities have not provided any assurances regarding when, or if, the residents will be permitted to return to their homes.

The military action followed a terror attack carried out on Friday by Ahmad and Hamouda Al-Jabar, Palestinians from the Ein Deir Bahha neighborhood. The attack resulted in the death of two Israeli soldiers and wounded several others. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces moved to secure the area, leading to the displacement of people from five specific zones: Ein Deir Bahha, Al-Jilda, Khillet Al-Magharbeh, Farsh Al-Hawa, and surrounding areas.

Data collected on Monday indicates that 407 households were affected by the operation. This group includes a total of 2,649 people. The demographic breakdown shows that 1,109 of those displaced are under the age of 18, with 180 of those children being under two years old. The group also includes 218 elderly individuals, 115 women who are pregnant or postpartum, 28 people with disabilities, and 162 individuals living with chronic illnesses.

Medical professionals warn that the sudden disruption poses serious health risks. Milena Ansari, the Director of Physicians for Human Rights Israel's Palestinian Territory Department, explained that people with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, or cancer rely on regular treatment. She noted that arbitrary closures interrupt this care and separate patients from their medications, doctors, and medical records. Ansari warned that a condition manageable with routine care can quickly become an emergency, a risk that is exacerbated by the approaching winter.

While most displaced families have found alternative housing by renting or staying with relatives, a portion remains without a safe place to stay. Khamis reported that 168 households have no safe accommodation available. He described a situation where some families were forced to spend the night outdoors or live in overcrowded conditions with relatives. These families are also struggling to obtain basic necessities of life.

The Support and Relief Committee has identified specific needs among the displaced population. Their data shows that 231 households require food supplies, while 129 need medicines. Additionally, 107 families need baby formula and diapers, and 126 are in need of shelter. Other families have submitted requests for clothing, mattresses, blankets, and psychological support to cope with the sudden change in their living situations.

Khamis stated that displaced families complained about the high-pressure conditions during the evacuation. He said there was no direct communication with the military, only notices and demands to leave. These notices did not provide clear information about the duration of the operation or guarantees for the residents' return. He added that authorities did not establish specific arrangements to help facilitate the evacuation of elderly, disabled, or sick Palestinians, creating a humanitarian challenge for families requiring ongoing medical care.