Palestinian families displaced as Israeli forces demolish Hebron homes, local officials say

What the report says

Israeli forces have begun demolishing homes and businesses in Hebron in the occupied West Bank, according to the BBC and Palestinian local officials, as part of a wider military crackdown following a shooting attack that killed two Israeli soldiers on Friday. The operation has displaced hundreds of Palestinian families and restricted movement in the city, which has a population of about 200,000, the report said.

Hebron’s mayor, Youssef al-Jaabari, said more than 1,000 people had been forced from their homes, while other local officials gave a figure of at least 200 families displaced. He said the demolitions were focused on the Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al-Hawa areas and included homes, shops, industrial sites and infrastructure. Videos shared online showed bulldozers clearing buildings, with one street appearing to have been flattened. The Israeli military had not immediately commented on the BBC’s request for response.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the response would target buildings near the attack site and the neighbourhoods linked to the alleged gunmen. The BBC noted that Israel commonly demolishes homes of Palestinians accused of attacking Israelis, a practice criticised by human rights groups as collective punishment. The timing is politically sensitive, coming just days before Israel’s election, and local Palestinian officials said the operation appeared aimed at appealing to hardline voters.