Residents of Hebron Open Homes to Displaced Families Amid Military Operations
Following a large-scale Israeli military operation in Hebron that displaced thousands, local residents and philanthropists are offering housing to families forced to flee.
Israeli forces have demolished a three-story building and industrial facilities in the Farsh Al-Hawa neighbourhood of Hebron after a Friday attack on a checkpoint that killed two soldiers. The operation has placed the city under lockdown, with more than 2,000 Palestinians forced to leave their homes, many of them children, pregnant women and elderly residents.
Local authorities declared a state of emergency and formed a crisis group that includes government agencies, the private sector and civil-society organisations to coordinate assistance. Riyadh Khamis, a member of the committee, said that philanthropists opened their homes to displaced families, citing Hebron’s tradition of social solidarity.
Real-estate developer Mohamed Al-Rujoob offered several apartments in nearby Dura for families, currently sheltering three extended families and about 30 children. He said the effort aims to preserve dignity and noted that anyone could need similar help in the future.
The lockdown restricts movement for nearly one million residents of Hebron and its district. Schools and universities have shifted to online learning, and the entrance to the Fawwar refugee camp was closed by Israeli soldiers, limiting residents’ ability to leave or receive medical care. Abdel Fattah Al-Ttitti, a teacher living in the camp, described the situation as a lock-in and expressed relief that online classes are available.
Observers note that the timing of the operation coincides with an upcoming Israeli general election, suggesting a possible political dimension to the violence.