2,200 Evacuated as Hebron Enters Full Lockdown

The Israeli military has sealed off the city of Hebron, forcing 2,200 residents from their homes after two soldiers were killed in a shooting incident. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a full lockdown of the West Bank on Friday following the attack, which saw two Palestinian gunmen enter an army reserve base. Both gunmen and the two soldiers died in the exchange.

Yousef al-Ja'bari, the mayor of Hebron, stated that hundreds of raids have taken place since the incident began. He reported that residents received evacuation orders over loudspeakers late at night, leaving families little time to prepare. On Saturday, the city was completely closed, preventing people from entering or exiting.

Israeli forces conducted operations in at least 15 areas of the West Bank on Saturday. These locations included Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Al-Bireh, Birzeit, Bethlehem, and occupied East Jerusalem. The Palestinian Prisoners' Society reported that approximately 70 Palestinians were arrested during these raids. In Hebron, soldiers bulldozed homes and vehicles near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, an action documented by journalists who were targeted with a stun grenade.

The Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, labeled the military actions as collective punishment. Officials cited the closure and siege of cities and the forced displacement of entire neighborhoods. The PA urged the international community to apply pressure on Israel to protect residents. Hamas also issued a statement, claiming that escalations by the occupation would fuel further outrage.

Hebron is the most populous area in the West Bank, home to roughly 200,000 Palestinians in the city and another 600,000 in the surrounding governorate. Issa Amro, a local activist, said that all entrances and exits have been closed since morning. He described the situation as a siege where no one has a safe place to hide. The military operations are taking place just days before the Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27.

Correspondents note that Israeli politicians are using the attack to strengthen their political position, particularly as Netanyahu and his Likud party trail in the polls. Netanyahu has not confirmed whether he intends to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, but he stated that a big surprise awaits the organization.