2,649 residents displaced in Hebron after attack

Roughly 2,600 residents in Hebron are currently living outside their homes following a military sweep that began last week. Riad Khamis, the spokesperson for the local Support and Relief Committee, stated that the Israeli Defense Forces did not provide sufficient time for families to pack. The military has also not indicated when residents can return to their properties.

The evacuations followed a Friday attack by two men from the Ein Deir Bahha neighborhood. Ahmad and Hamouda Al-Jabar killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded others during the incident. In response, the IDF set up new checkpoints and ordered the evacuation of several areas in the city.

Data collected on Monday shows that 407 households have been affected. These homes cover five specific areas: Ein Deir Bahha, Al-Jilda, Khillet Al-Magharbeh, Farsh Al-Hawa, and surrounding zones. The displaced group includes 1,109 children under 18. Within that age group, 180 children are under two years old. The count also includes 218 elderly residents, 115 pregnant or postpartum women, 28 people with disabilities, and 162 individuals with chronic illnesses.

Medics warn that the displacement disrupts care for those with ongoing health needs. Milena Ansari, director of the Palestinian Territory Department at Physicians for Human Rights Israel, noted that people with diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, or cancer rely on regular medication and doctor visits. She said that arbitrary closures interrupt this care. Separation from medical records and medications can turn manageable conditions into emergencies. These emergencies then face blocked roads and movement restrictions. Ansari added that the approaching winter season increases these risks.

Most displaced families have found other places to stay by joining relatives or renting temporary housing. However, Khamis reported that 168 households lack safe accommodation. He stated that some families were forced to sleep outdoors. Other families are staying with relatives, creating overcrowded and unsuitable living conditions. Some residents are also struggling to secure basic necessities.

The committee has identified specific needs among the displaced population. Data shows that 231 households require food supplies. Another 129 need medicines. The list includes 107 households needing baby formula and diapers, and 126 requiring shelter. Other families have requested clothing, mattresses, blankets, and psychological support.

Khamis said families complained about the speed of the evacuation. He described the process as taking place under difficult and high-pressure conditions. Residents received notices and demands to leave but lacked clear information about how long the operation would last. They also did not receive guarantees regarding their return. There was no direct communication with the military beyond these written demands.

The committee also noted a lack of specific arrangements for the elderly, disabled, and sick. Khamis said this presented a humanitarian challenge because some families require medical care and ongoing assistance. The IDF has not yet responded to requests for comment on these allegations.

The military continues to maintain checkpoints in the affected areas. Residents remain in temporary housing or with relatives while awaiting further instructions from the authorities.