Hebron:Israeli occupation forces continued their intensified operations in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron for the eighth consecutive day, eyewitnesses reported on Friday. The forces have fortified their presence with additional military reinforcements and engineering units in the Deir Bahha area, which has been under siege since last Friday.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the occupation forces raided the home of a Palestinian accused of a shooting attack in the Farsh al-Hawa area last week. They commenced demolition work inside the house and displaced more families in the vicinity. Simultaneously, several neighborhoods in Hebron and the village of al-Rihiya were stormed, resulting in the detention of three Palestinians, including a former prisoner, who were reportedly beaten.
For eight consecutive days, the forces have maintained a complete lockdown on Hebron, sealing all entry and exit points, and closing the al-Jilda and Deir Bahha areas. Daily raids and searches have been conducted, causing significant disruption. Official data indicates that 537 families, totaling 3,361 individuals, have been forcibly displaced from the al-Jilda and Deir Bahha areas, while many others remain trapped, unable to move or receive aid.
The Hebron Chamber of Commerce reported that the closures have caused financial losses estimated between 10 and 12 million shekels per day, affecting various sectors, including a significant impact on the dairy industry. Educational activities have also been severely disrupted, with the assault affecting around 262,000 students across 589 schools, leaving thousands unable to attend classes.
The Support and Relief Committee verified the plight of 537 affected families, totaling 3,361 people, including 232 infants, 1,193 children, 326 elderly people, 147 pregnant and breastfeeding women, 32 individuals with disabilities, and 213 people with chronic illnesses.