Hebron Evacuations: 2,649 Residents Displaced After Weekend Attack
Residents of five Hebron neighborhoods report short notice and uncertain timelines for return following the establishment of new Israeli military checkpoints.
By Jonathan Ramirez ·
2,649 people were displaced from their homes in Hebron as of Monday morning, according to data compiled by the city's official Support and Relief Committee. The count covers five specific neighborhoods: Ein Deir Bahha, Al-Jilda, Khillet Al-Magharbeh, Farsh Al-Hawa, and surrounding areas. Riad Khamis, the committee's spokesperson, stated that these 407 households have been directly affected by recent Israeli military operations.
The military action followed a terror attack carried out on Friday by Ahmad and Hamouda Al-Jabar, two Palestinians from the Ein Deir Bahha neighborhood. The attack resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and wounded several others. In response, the Israel Defense Forces established new checkpoints and ordered evacuations in specific parts of the city.
Khamis said the displaced population includes 1,109 people under the age of 18. Of those children, 180 are under the age of two. The group also includes 218 elderly individuals, 115 pregnant or postpartum women, 28 people with disabilities, and 162 people living with chronic illnesses.
Milena Ansari, Director of Physicians for Human Rights Israel's Palestinian Territory Department, warned that the disruption of routine care could create emergency situations for those with chronic conditions. "People with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, or cancer depend on regular treatment and medication," Ansari said. She noted that displacement separates individuals from their medications, doctors, and medical records. "A condition that could be managed with routine care can quickly become an emergency, which then runs into the same blocked roads, closures, and restrictions on movement," she added.
While the majority of displaced Palestinians found alternative accommodation by staying with relatives or renting other homes, Khamis reported that 168 households had no safe accommodation available. "Some families found themselves without safe accommodation or a suitable alternative, and some were forced to spend the night outdoors," Khamis said. He noted that many families were forced to rely on overcrowded living conditions with relatives.
The committee identified specific needs among the displaced population. Data shows that 231 households required food supplies, 129 needed medicines, 107 needed baby formula and diapers, and 126 needed shelter. Other families submitted requests for support with clothing, mattresses, blankets, and psychological assistance.
Khamis stated that families complained about the lack of time given to prepare for their evacuation. He described the process as taking place under difficult and high-pressure conditions. "There was no direct communication with the military, except through notices and demands to leave," he said. He added that these notices did not provide clear information about the duration of the operation or guarantees concerning residents' return.
The committee also reported a lack of information regarding arrangements to facilitate the evacuation of elderly, disabled, or sick Palestinians. Khamis said this presented a humanitarian challenge because some families require ongoing medical care and assistance. The IDF has not yet responded to a request for comment on the allegations.
The data was collected on Monday, following the weekend events. The military has not offered assurances on when, or if, families will be allowed to return to their homes. The current situation includes blocked roads and restrictions on movement in the affected areas.
