Palestinian families return home after Israeli siege of Hebron

Palestinian families began returning to neighbourhoods of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on 2 November after Israeli forces withdrew from parts of the city following a 10-day operation. Residents described finding damaged and ransacked homes, while municipal crews assessed the damage. Hebron’s mayor said about 3,300 people had been displaced; movement restrictions remained at some city entrances even as schools and businesses reopened.

Israel launched the operation after two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others at a checkpoint near Hebron on 23 October. An Israeli military official confirmed the withdrawal and said troops had searched properties, detained suspects and seized weapons; the military also said it had demolished the attackers’ homes. Hebron’s municipality reported wider demolitions and business closures. The UN human rights chief raised concerns about the displacement, demolitions and movement restrictions, while returning families faced the immediate task of making their homes safe and habitable again.