Thousands displaced as Israel's siege on Hebron enters 10th day

Israeli forces have maintained a siege on the West Bank city of Hebron for 10 days following an attack in which two Israeli soldiers were killed, Al Jazeera reported. The military operation has displaced almost 5,000 Palestinians and forced hundreds of families from their homes.

The local municipality stated that the siege has led to the demolition of at least 15 homes and the closure of 327 businesses, with economic losses estimated to exceed $20 million. Infrastructure damage and impacts on health and environmental sectors have also been reported.

Approximately 80,000 students have been unable to attend school during the lockdown, which the mayor of Hebron described as collective punishment. The city accounts for about 40 percent of the Palestinian economy, amplifying the siege’s impact.

Israeli forces have continued to arrest Palestinians in Hebron and other West Bank areas, including the detention of 10 teachers in Masafer Yatta. Additionally, Israeli military raids have targeted a UN-run school in the Shu’fat refugee camp in East Jerusalem.

The United Nations humanitarian office noted a record high of 397 attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians across the West Bank in October, underscoring the tense environment in the region.

Meanwhile, Israeli protests in Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem have called for the removal of Prime Minister Netanyahu, reflecting domestic political tensions amid ongoing military operations, according to Al Jazeera.

What we’re watching: Developments in the siege of Hebron and potential expansion of Israeli military operations in the West Bank remain critical to regional stability.