Israeli forces have withdrawn from the entire city of Hebron in the southern occupied West Bank after a 10-day military siege, the city’s governor, Khaled Dudin, announced on Monday.
“Palestinian security forces have taken full control of the area following the Israeli withdrawal,” Dudin said, adding that families forced to leave their homes could now return.
He said relevant authorities and Palestinian security forces were monitoring the situation and working to ensure residents could return safely.
Nearly 5,000 Palestinians affected by operation
The Israeli army launched its offensive on October 23, following a reported shooting attack by two Palestinians that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others. Israeli forces later killed the two attackers.
During the siege, Israeli forces imposed closures on Hebron and surrounding villages, seized Palestinian homes in the Al-Jalda and Ein Deir Baha areas and turned them into military positions.
The siege also involved forced displacement, demolitions of homes and commercial properties, and damage to local infrastructure.
According to the Hebron Municipality, the Israeli offensive had displaced 4,969 Palestinians from 780 families. At least 15 homes and other structures were demolished.
Governorate reports damage to economy and education
The Hebron Governorate said the military aggression had also damaged infrastructure and the local economy, while disrupting education across the affected areas.
With Israeli forces now withdrawn, Palestinian authorities say they are working to facilitate the safe return of displaced families and monitor conditions across the city.
