Hebron Faces Ongoing Siege as Economic Impact Mounts

Israeli forces are continuing their siege on Hebron for the tenth consecutive day, with threats of an expanded offensive following an attack on October 23 that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers. The lockdown has led to the displacement of over 3,300 Palestinians, with homes destroyed and businesses shut down, according to local officials.

Mayor Yousef al-Jabari reported that daily economic losses in Hebron are estimated to exceed 12 million shekels (approximately $3.8 million), including more than $1.9 million in infrastructure damage. He noted that 15 homes and other structures have been demolished, and 327 businesses have been forced to close, impacting around 80,000 students who have been unable to attend school.

Al-Jabari characterized the siege as a form of "collective punishment," emphasizing Hebron's critical role in the Palestinian economy, accounting for about 40 percent of it. Concerns are growing among local families about potential further military actions.

Israeli forces have also continued arrests in Hebron and surrounding areas, detaining ten Palestinian teachers in Masafer Yatta and seizing their vehicle. Reports indicate that Israeli settlers have carried out 397 attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank during October, marking the highest monthly total since monitoring began in 2006. These attacks have resulted in injuries to 57 Palestinians, including nine children, amidst ongoing tensions during the olive harvest season.