Hebron Residents Displaced After Friday Attack

Residents of several neighborhoods in Hebron are living out of their homes following a military operation that began after a Friday attack. The Israeli Defense Forces established new checkpoints and ordered evacuations in the areas of Ein Deir Bahha, Al-Jilda, Khillet Al-Magharbeh, and Farsh Al-Hawa. Families were told to leave with little time to pack and have not been given a date for their return.

The operation has directly affected 407 households, totaling 2,649 people, according to data collected on Monday by the Hebron Support and Relief Committee. Among those displaced are 1,109 children under the age of 18, including 180 infants under two years old. The group also includes 218 elderly individuals, 115 women who are pregnant or recently gave birth, 28 people with disabilities, and 162 residents managing chronic illnesses.

Riad Khamis, the spokesperson for the relief committee, stated that the military did not provide adequate time for families to prepare. He said the evacuations took place under high pressure without clear information regarding how long the operation would last or when residents could come back. Khamis noted that communication from the military consisted mostly of written notices and demands to leave, rather than direct dialogue.

The attack that triggered these measures was carried out on Friday by Ahmad and Hamouda Al-Jabar, two Palestinians from the Ein Deir Bahha neighborhood. The incident resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and left several others wounded. In response, the IDF expanded its physical presence in the area with new checkpoints.

Medical experts warn that the sudden move is creating urgent health risks for vulnerable residents. Milena Ansari, director of the Palestinian Territory Department at Physicians for Human Rights Israel, said that people with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, or cancer rely on consistent treatment and medication. She explained that the displacement separates patients from their doctors, medical records, and essential supplies. Ansari added that winter conditions make these risks more severe.

Most displaced families have found temporary housing by staying with relatives or renting other homes. However, Khamis reported that 168 households currently lack safe accommodation. Some of these families were forced to sleep outdoors. Khamis described the situation as a difficult humanitarian reality, noting that overcrowded conditions are making it hard for some to access basic necessities.

The committee has identified specific needs among the displaced population. Based on the data gathered, 231 households require food supplies, while 129 need medicines. Additionally, 107 families need baby formula and diapers, and 126 require shelter. Other residents have requested assistance with clothing, mattresses, blankets, and psychological support.

Khamis said the committee has not seen evidence that Israeli authorities set up specific arrangements to help evacuate the elderly, disabled, or sick. He said this gap presented a major challenge for families needing ongoing medical care. The IDF has not yet responded to requests for comment on these allegations.

Residents continue to wait for clarity on their next steps. The checkpoints remain in place, and no official timeline has been announced for the removal of these measures or the return of residents to their original homes.