West Bank Demolitions: Hebron Neighborhood Razed, Hundreds Displaced

Israeli troops have demolished a district in the West Bank city of Hebron, displacing hundreds of residents in an operation Palestinian officials have labeled collective punishment. The action came after a militant attack on an army checkpoint located outside the city limits.

Local authorities report that approximately 35 hectares in the Ein Deir Baha district have been destroyed or slated for demolition. By Saturday afternoon, officials stated that around 1,500 people had been forced to evacuate their homes. The city itself, home to 250,000 residents, has been sealed off with checkpoints placed at every entry point.

Footage from a resident shows widespread damage, with homes across multiple blocks reduced to rubble. One clip depicts soldiers painting black crosses on Palestinian houses, while another shows a bulldozer dismantling a stone wall. A third video shows a large residential structure flying Israeli flags; residents claim the building belonged to a prominent local family and was seized to serve as a temporary military headquarters.

The destruction was prompted by a gunfight on Friday involving two gunmen at an Israeli checkpoint outside Hebron. The exchange of fire lasted 20 minutes, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and wounding three others. Both gunmen were also killed. Ein Deir Baha is alleged to be the home district of the attackers.

With Israeli elections scheduled for October 28, political leaders have visited the attack site. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich pledged an immediate response. Netanyahu stated that Israel would 'act to destroy this place.' Smotrich was filmed in body armor as a building was demolished, stating he had ordered the removal of illegal structures near the site and calling for a military campaign similar to those in Gaza and Lebanon.

Approximately 300 families have been evicted, with some finding shelter with relatives and others using community halls and play areas. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reports that Israel plans to displace an additional 2,500 people. Civil rights activist Issa Amro condemned the operation, stating, 'We are being collectively punished for something we neither did nor supported.' He added that families are paying the price for political campaigning.

Amro noted that hundreds of families have left their homes without any connection to Friday's shooting. He expressed uncertainty regarding the future, questioning whether the events are election propaganda or a plan for post-election decisions. The Israeli army has been asked for comment regarding the operations and the videos showing the widespread destruction.