Israeli Forces Convert Hebron Homes into Military Posts Amid Tight Lockdown and Evictions

Israeli forces have transformed Palestinian homes in Hebron into barracks and observation posts, forcing residents to vacate their properties as a military operation continues in the southern occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Homes in the Khallat Manna and Dahiyat al-Zaytoun areas were reportedly taken over for use as barracks, while residents in other neighborhoods were compelled to leave their homes to serve as observation posts, Wafa reported, citing sources.

The Israeli military has imposed a strict lockdown on Hebron and carried out hundreds of raids since Friday, following an alleged attack by two armed Palestinian men on an Israeli army reserve base that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. The two suspects were also killed in the incident. These evictions are part of broader actions that have led to the forced displacement of hundreds of families, accompanied by extensive raids, road closures, and severe restrictions on movement.

The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society stated that Israeli forces have detained at least 47 Palestinians in Hebron since Friday. Furthermore, 293 families, comprising approximately 2,200 individuals, have been forcibly displaced. Among those displaced are 127 infants, 81 pregnant women, 26 individuals with disabilities, 134 Palestinians with chronic illnesses, and 265 elderly people over the age of 60, the NGO informed Al Jazeera. The report also indicated that Israeli troops conducted hundreds of field interrogations, involving detention and abuse of Palestinians.

In a separate development, Israeli settlers have begun establishing two new outposts on Palestinian-owned land in the town of Yatta, south of Hebron, Wafa reported. Activist Osama Makhamra told Wafa that settlers initiated the establishment of an outpost in the Khallet al-Fara area, west of Yatta, by pitching a tent, bringing in bulldozers and excavation machinery, and commencing land leveling and digging for construction. Another outpost was reportedly established in the Yatta desert area, on Palestinian-owned land situated between the villages of az-Zuweidin and Umm Qussa, where settlers have pitched several tents and begun installing infrastructure, including water and electricity networks.

Near Bethlehem, Israeli forces have maintained road closures and blocked entrances across the governorate for the third consecutive day on Sunday, impacting several towns and villages, according to Wafa. On Saturday, Israeli forces blocked dirt roads leading to Tuqu, firing tear gas canisters and stun grenades at Palestinian vehicles using alternative rough routes near the town.

These recent actions and closures occur just days before Israel's general elections, amidst heightened tensions across the occupied Palestinian territory, where settlers, with military backing, have reportedly engaged in a series of attacks targeting olive harvesters.