West Bank raids displace thousands and shutter schools in Hebron
Seven days into a military operation, 3,361 residents have been forced from their homes, and economic losses reach $3.9 million per day.
By Ivan Mori ·
The daily cost of the current military operation in the Hebron governorate has reached between 3.2 million and 3.9 million dollars. This financial burden stems from disruptions to local commerce and the movement of people. Schools in the region have shifted to remote instruction, keeping approximately 262,000 students out of physical classrooms.
Hebron Governor Khaled Dudin reported that 537 families, totaling 3,361 individuals, have been forced to leave their homes since the offensive began last week. Among those displaced are 232 infants and 326 older adults. An additional 147 women are either pregnant or breastfeeding, and 213 residents have chronic illnesses. Municipal data indicates that roughly 5,000 people from 780 families are affected, including those remaining under siege.
The operation started after two Israeli soldiers died in a gun attack. Both Palestinian suspects involved in that incident were also killed. Since then, Israeli forces have maintained a presence in the governorate, imposing strict restrictions on movement and blocking access to key areas. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted that these measures continue to disrupt access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods. Most displaced families are currently staying with relatives.
In the village of Dura, soldiers fired a large amount of tear gas before bulldozing a mural. The artwork featured images of several deceased residents, including Bajis Abu Atwan, who died in the 1970s. Al Jazeera correspondent Muntasir Nassar reported that this targeting of memorials appears to be a new pattern across the West Bank, with a higher frequency in Hebron.
In Qalandiya refugee camp, north of East Jerusalem, a raid on Thursday triggered clashes. The Palestine Red Crescent Society treated a 15-year-old boy who was shot in both legs with live ammunition. A 12-year-old child was also injured by live-bullet fragments. Both patients were transported to hospitals.
In al-Maniya, southeast of Bethlehem, local sources said Israeli soldiers and settlers beat Mohammad Ahmad Ayesh Thawabta, a disabled Palestinian. In the northern West Bank, 13 Palestinians were detained in pre-dawn raids on Thursday. The group included three brothers. Most of these arrests occurred in the Nablus governorate, where soldiers searched homes and harassed residents.
The Palestinian Prisoners Media Office stated that 110 Palestinians were detained in Hebron between Friday and Wednesday. Soldiers beat two men in Dura and Wad al-Saman. Two brothers were arrested while ploughing land east of Yatta. Forces also raided homes in Taffuh and Halhul.
Armed settlers attacked US journalist Jasper Nathaniel and two activists in Umm al-Khair on Wednesday. Russian activist Adele Shoko said on social media that the group was beaten, threatened, and had equipment stolen. Nathaniel was pepper-sprayed and arrested. Attacks in the region have intensified since October 2023.
