Israel Seals West Bank Borders After Fatal Ambush in Hebron
Two soldiers died in Friday's attack, triggering a full closure that stranded 800,000 residents and displaced 2,200 others before the upcoming elections.
By Lucas Murphy ·
Israeli forces have closed all entrances and exits to the West Bank, creating a total lockdown that isolates 800,000 residents in Hebron. The military action began after two Palestinian gunmen attacked an Israeli army reserve base on Friday. Both attackers were killed in the exchange, along with the two Israeli soldiers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the full closure following the ambush. Since Friday, soldiers have conducted hundreds of raids across the territory. On Saturday, Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Ja'bari reported that 2,200 people have been forced from their homes. Residents stated that loudspeakers announced evacuation orders late at night, leaving families with little time to gather belongings.
Al Jazeera correspondents documented Israeli operations in at least 15 areas on Saturday. These included Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Al-Bireh, Birzeit, East Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. Soldiers also targeted journalists near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint in Hebron by firing a stun grenade during a home demolition. The Palestinian Prisoners' Society counted approximately 70 arrests during the weekend raids.
The Palestinian Authority described the response as collective punishment. Officials cited home demolitions and the siege of cities, urging the international community to intervene. Hamas stated that the escalations by the occupation and its settlers would fuel further outrage among the population.
Hebron governorate is the most populous area in the West Bank. It is home to 200,000 people in the city and 600,000 in the surrounding region. Issa Amro, a local activist, noted that the 800,000 residents are under siege with all roads closed since morning. He said the city is in a state of fear because there is no safe place to hide.
The military pressure occurs days before the Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh reported that politicians are trying to capitalize on the attack. She noted that Netanyahu and his Likud party are currently behind in the polls. Netanyahu avoided confirming whether his government will dismantle the Palestinian Authority, but he said a big surprise awaits the organization.
The next scheduled event is the election on October 27. Until then, the West Bank remains sealed, and the displaced residents of Hebron remain outside the city limits.
Source: Al Jazeera
