Palestinians return to ruined Hebron homes after Israel’s 10-day siege

What the report says

About 3,300 Palestinians have begun returning to their homes in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, after more than a week of forced displacement tied to an Israeli military operation. According to Al Jazeera, the affected areas included Ein Deir Bahha, al-Jalda and nearby neighbourhoods, where Israeli forces had blocked residents from coming back while the operation continued.

Residents described extensive damage inside homes and across the surrounding streets. Some properties were demolished, while others were left with blown-out doors, smashed belongings and other signs of vandalism. Local officials and civil groups said they were now assessing the destruction and helping families deal with the aftermath, including power cuts and irregular water access in some zones.

The operation followed an incident on October 23, when two Israeli soldiers were shot dead in Hebron; two Palestinian suspects were also killed. Al Jazeera reported that the military action led to the demolition of 15 facilities, including three homes, and the closure of at least 327 shops. It also said around 80,000 students were affected by the disruption to education.

Hebron municipality estimated that direct economic losses from the siege reached more than 12 million shekels per day, with additional damage to infrastructure and public services. The return marks the end of the immediate displacement, but many families still face the challenge of repairing homes and resuming normal life after significant structural and economic harm.