Hebron Siege: Economic Freeze Hits 800,000 as Two-Day Lockdown Bites

Israeli forces have sealed the West Bank, cutting off approximately 800,000 residents from the rest of the territory.

The closure began after two Israeli soldiers were killed in an ambush at a reserve base in Hebron on Friday. Both Palestinian gunmen involved in the attack were also killed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently ordered a full lockdown, which Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Ja'bari confirmed took effect Saturday morning. Al-Ja'bari stated that 2,200 people have been forced from their homes following hundreds of raids.

The economic isolation affects Hebron governorate, the most populous area in the West Bank. It contains a population of 200,000 within the city limits and 600,000 in the surrounding area. Issa Amro, a local activist, described the situation as a siege with all entrances and exits closed. Residents reported that evacuation orders were issued via loudspeakers late at night, leaving families with limited time to relocate. By Saturday, the mayor confirmed that neither entry nor exit was permitted.

Israeli security operations expanded beyond Hebron to at least 15 areas across the West Bank. Raids occurred in Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Al-Bireh, Birzeit, East Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. The Palestinian Prisoners' Society reported that approximately 70 Palestinians were arrested during these operations. Journalists documenting a demolition near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint were targeted with a stun grenade by soldiers.

The Palestinian Authority labeled the measures collective punishment, citing home demolitions and the siege of cities. The governing body urged the international community to intervene to protect residents. Hamas issued a statement claiming that military escalations by the occupation and settlers would fuel further outrage among the population.

The military campaign takes place three days before Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. Correspondent Nour Odeh noted that politicians are attempting to capitalize on the attack while polling numbers show the ruling coalition trailing opponents. Netanyahu avoided confirming plans to dismantle the Palestinian Authority but stated that a big surprise awaits the organization.

The next scheduled milestone is the national vote on Tuesday, which will determine the future of the government currently overseeing the West Bank operations.