In brief
Hebron residents are returning to their homes after Israeli troops conduct a 10‑day operation that began following an Oct. 23 shooting that killed two Israeli soldiers. The operation saw the demolition of dozens of homes, the displacement of more than 3,300 residents and the seizure of weapons. Palestinian leaders declare that the damaged houses will be rebuilt from scratch, while Israeli officials say forces have left and local security has taken control.
The Israeli army announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its forces from the West Bank city of Hebron, ending a military operation that lasted from Oct. 23 to Nov. 2. The campaign began after a Palestinian shooting attack that killed two Israeli soldiers, and was described by Israeli officials as a response to the violence.
The operation involved a large‑scale evacuation of Palestinian families, the demolition of homes, and widespread closures of streets and public facilities. According to Israeli military reports, troops seized four weapons, demolished the residences of the two attackers responsible for killing the soldiers, and detained dozens of suspects. Israeli sources listed the operation as a 10‑day mission.
Palestinian sources described the operation as an 11‑day offensive that left widespread destruction throughout the city. They reported that more than 3,300 residents were displaced or otherwise affected, and that 15 homes and other structures were demolished. Infrastructure damage and disruption to economic activities were also documented, including impacts on education in the region.
Residents began returning to their neighborhoods on Monday after soldiers moved out of the area. Women, children, and men were seen driving into streets that had previously been closed, with many honking their horns in celebration of the return to their homes.
“This is our land, and we will not leave it, no matter what destruction and devastation the Israeli occupation inflicts,” Rashid al‑Ja'bari, a local figure who emerged from a scene of demolition, told Xinhua. He added that the destroyed houses would be “rebuilt from scratch.”
"This is our land, and we will not leave it, no matter what destruction and devastation the Israeli occupation inflicts."
Hebron Governor Khaled Dudin confirmed the withdrawal of Israeli forces and noted that Palestinian security forces had assumed control of the city’s neighborhoods, villages, and towns. He said authorities were working to ensure a safe return for residents and to manage the ongoing situation following the offensive.
The displacement and demolition are part of a broader pattern of military actions that have affected residential areas in Hebron. The Hebron Municipality reported that the operation caused damage to infrastructure, disrupted economic activities, and affected education. Local authorities stated that the rebuilding process would begin after the army’s departure, with many residents looking forward to restoring their homes and businesses.
The operation in Hebron is part of a series of military responses to security incidents in the region. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had authorized the operation on Sunday night, a decision that came after the army’s request to end the operation before the week’s parliamentary election in Israel. The militants’ shooting on Oct. 23 had prompted a swift military response that included house demolitions and the eviction of families suspected of supporting the attackers.
Jewish authorities said the operation removed possible weapons caches and prevented future attacks, while Palestinian sources stressed the impact on basic civil life and the long‑term resilience of the community. The returning residents have reported disruptions such as loss of household items and the need for temporary shelter before their homes are fully restored.
The outcome of the operation remains heavily contested. While Israeli officials emphasized the military necessity of safeguarding personnel and securing the area, Palestinian spokespeople underscored the humanitarian toll. The situation in Hebron continues to unfold as the city moves toward rebuilding and the authorities work to ensure the safe return of displaced families.
