Israeli Forces Withdraw From Hebron After Brutal 10-Day Siege
Israeli forces have left Hebron in the West Bank after a 10-day military operation. Discover the impact on the city's economy and residents.
The city of Hebron in the West Bank has finally seen the departure of Israeli forces following a military operation and siege that lasted more than 10 days. The announcement was made by the governor of Hebron, Khaled Dudin, who confirmed that the military has withdrawn from the entire city.
Restoration of Control and Return of Residents
According to Governor Khaled Dudin, Palestinian security forces have now regained full control over the area. In a relief for many, Dudin stated that families who were previously forced to flee their homes during the operation are now permitted to return.
The Spark: An October Attack
The military siege was triggered by an attack that took place near the city on October 23. The incident resulted in the deaths of two Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers, prompting the subsequent military response and the lockdown of the city.
Devastating Human and Economic Toll
The aftermath of the 10-day operation has left a trail of destruction and economic hardship. Data provided by the local municipality and city officials paints a grim picture of the impact:
- Displacement: More than 3,300 Palestinians were affected or displaced from their homes.
- Infrastructure Damage: Approximately $1.9 million worth of infrastructure was damaged, with an additional $160,000 in losses within the health and environmental sectors.
- Property Destruction: The IDF demolished 15 homes and various other structures.
- Business Closures: A total of 327 businesses were forced to shut down.
Economic Paralysis and "Collective Punishment"
The mayor of Hebron, Yousef al-Jabari, highlighted the severe financial blow to the region. He noted that the city accounts for roughly 40 percent of the Palestinian economy, making the siege particularly crippling. Al-Jabari told Al Jazeera that the daily economic losses exceeded 12 million shekels (approximately $3.8 million).
Beyond the money, the social cost was immense, as about 80,000 students were unable to attend school for the duration of the 10-day siege. Mayor al-Jabari characterized the military action as a form of "collective punishment."
Political Backdrop in Israel
This military operation unfolds against a backdrop of political instability within Israel. Recent elections have left the government in a complex position, with the opposition securing 67 seats compared to 53 for the incumbent coalition.
The path to forming a new coalition remains challenging, as the opposition bloc is divided between 48 seats held by Zionist factions and 19 seats held by Arab non-Zionist parties. The newly elected Knesset is expected to be sworn in on November 10.