Israel Demolishes Homes in Hebron as West Bank Operation Displaces Thousands

Israel Demolishes Homes in Hebron as West Bank Operation Displaces Thousands
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Israeli forces demolished the homes of two Palestinians accused of killing two Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint in Hebron, as part of an ongoing military operation in the occupied West Bank that has displaced more than 3,000 Palestinians, according to local officials.

The demolitions followed an October 23 attack in which both gunmen were killed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a large-scale operation in areas surrounding the checkpoint. Israel says the campaign aims to prevent further attacks, while Palestinian officials have accused Netanyahu of exploiting the security situation ahead of Israel’s general election.

Israeli forces have also demolished homes, shops, roads and factories, and closed most entrances to Hebron, restricting residents’ movement, including access to medical care. UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that the displacement raised serious concerns over the necessity and proportionality of the use of force, adding that threats to empty entire neighborhoods could raise concerns of ethnic cleansing.

Meanwhile, reports of settler violence have continued during the Palestinian olive harvest.

Israeli rights group Yesh Din reported at least 135 physical attacks affecting the olive harvest by October 23, amid a wider increase in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.