We are reaching out with an urgent update from Hebron, where the situation has reached a breaking point.
Israeli forces are razing Palestinian neighborhoods in Hebron and forcefully expelling families from their homes. 411 families have been expelled, comprising at least 2,500 people, with many more at risk in the neighborhoods of Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al-Hawa. This includes people with disabilities, chronic illness, breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, and infants.
“We will act to destroy this place, to change it completely,” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu threatened in the wake of an attack that killed two Israeli soldiers stationed at a checkpoint near Hebron on October 23rd.
The Israeli army has placed the West Bank on lockdown, and the city’s entire population of 250,000 residents is under siege. The army has bulldozed family homes and shops, and army vehicles have been patrolling the streets, demanding immediate evacuation over loudspeakers. Soldiers are raiding and vandalizing homes and offices and using the buildings as military outposts. No shelter has been provided for families forced out of their homes at night.
Watch a video taken of the destruction on October 24th, 2026 in Hebron.
Issa Amro, renowned Palestinian human rights defender, describes being unable to leave his home in Hebron while his own sister, Hayat, was one of the people forced out of her home with her seven children. “We urgently call on the UN, international governments, and humanitarian organizations to act now: protect civilians, demand an end to unlawful demolitions and collective restrictions, and ensure safe access to essential supplies and emergency services,” Amro stated.
He and Working for Peace and Justice / Friends of Hebron call for the immediate return of families to their homes and the rebuilding of the houses that were demolished.
The targeted families have no connection to the attack, yet they are facing collective punishment. The operation can be seen as an attempt by Netanyahu to win voters ahead of the Israeli elections on October 27, while it is also a means to expand Israeli military control over Hebron in preparation for a military takeover and settlement expansion.
To support the displaced families with food, shelter and/or medical support, please click here.
Ein Deir Baha and Farsh al-Hawa are located in H1, the part of Hebron equivalent to Area A, which is under Palestinian Authority control in the wider West Bank. The military operation marks Israel’s increasing incursions into Area A, undermining the Oslo Accords and representing another step toward annexing the West Bank.
The lockdown is expected to severely disrupt daily life and to prevent the olive harvest in Hebron and the wider West Bank, which has been almost completely denied to Palestinians in the last few years.
“Hebron must not be forgotten. We need urgent action, not just statements of concern,” Amro stated.
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With thanks for your continued support and care.
In solidarity,
The Friends of Hebron team