RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
Nearly 4,000 Palestinians have reportedly been displaced from their homes in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, as Israeli forces continue a major military operation involving evacuations, demolitions, arrests and restrictions on movement.
According to updated figures released by Palestinian officials on Monday, approximately 3,971 residents have been displaced, while 619 families have been affected by the operation.
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society also reported that Israeli forces had detained at least 85 people since the operation began on Friday, October 23.
The military campaign followed a shooting near Hebron in which two Israeli soldiers were killed and three others wounded. Israeli forces subsequently killed the two Palestinian gunmen suspected of carrying out the attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged a major security response, while the military said its operations were aimed at locating armed suspects, recovering weapons and preventing further attacks.
However, Palestinian authorities and human rights advocates have raised concerns about the scale of the operation and its impact on civilians.
Local officials reported extensive demolitions of residential buildings, commercial properties and roads, particularly in the Deir Baha and al-Jilda neighbourhoods.
Residents also alleged that Israeli soldiers had occupied evacuated homes and converted some properties into temporary military positions.
Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Jabari described the measures as collective punishment, arguing that entire neighbourhoods were suffering consequences unrelated to the actions of the suspected attackers.
Human rights advocates warned that displacement and restrictions on movement could interrupt access to healthcare, food and other essential services.
Medical professionals also expressed concern about residents with chronic illnesses who may be unable to obtain medication or attend scheduled treatment.
Israeli authorities have disputed allegations of forced displacement, maintaining that evacuation measures were connected to security operations.
The latest developments come ahead of Israel’s parliamentary election scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.
Some Palestinian officials and political analysts have accused Netanyahu’s government of using the military operation to demonstrate strength ahead of the vote. Those allegations have not been independently established.
Israeli authorities have also announced restrictions on Palestinian workers and the closure of West Bank crossings during the election period.
Meanwhile, local relief organisations have begun distributing emergency supplies to displaced families, including those struggling to secure temporary accommodation.
The duration of the operation remains uncertain, with many residents saying they have received no clear information about when they will be permitted to return home.
