World · Middle East · 27 mins ago
Israeli forces withdraw from Hebron after operation displaces thousands
Israeli forces withdrew from a neighbourhood in Hebron in the occupied West Bank on November 2, ending an operation that lasted about 10 or 11 days.
The operation began after two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others at a checkpoint on October 23; the gunmen were then killed.
Israeli forces searched homes, detained and questioned suspects, seized four weapons, and demolished the attackers’ homes.
More than 3,000 Palestinians were displaced or otherwise affected, and residents began returning after the withdrawal.
Many residents returned to damaged or ransacked homes, while some families planned to clean up and move back into the parts that remained usable.
Hebron’s governor said Palestinian security forces had taken control of the area and were helping residents return safely.
The operation also disrupted local businesses, infrastructure and education, according to the Hebron Governorate.
Israeli forces withdrew from the Hebron neighbourhood where two Palestinian gunmen lived, ending an operation launched after an October 23 attack killed two Israeli soldiers.
Thousands of Palestinians displaced or affected by the operation began returning to their homes on November 2.
The operation involved searches, detentions, weapons seizures, demolitions and the use of some homes as military posts.
Reports differ on the operation’s duration, describing it as 10 or 11 days.
Palestinian officials said the operation caused damage to homes, infrastructure and the local economy.
- Who
- Israeli forces withdrew from the area; displaced Palestinian residents began returning.
- What
- The military ended its operation in a Hebron neighbourhood after an attack that killed two Israeli soldiers.
- When
- November 2, 2026. The operation began on October 23.
- Where
- Hebron, in the occupied West Bank.
- Why
- The operation followed a shooting attack by two Palestinian gunmen at a checkpoint near Hebron.
Israeli military
Palestinian residents and officials
Operation's purpose and conduct
Israeli military
The military said it searched locations, questioned suspects and seized four weapons and other military equipment. It said it demolished structures connected to the attack.
Palestinian residents and officials
Palestinian officials described a siege involving forced displacement, home demolitions, property damage and disruption to daily life.
Two Palestinian gunmen attacked an army checkpoint near Hebron, killing two Israeli soldiers and wounding three others.
The military cleared residents from the attackers’ neighbourhood, according to the Straits Times report.
Israel’s defense minister approved ending the operation, according to the Times of Israel.
Israeli forces withdrew, and displaced residents began returning to their homes.
- Operation duration
- Reported as 10 days by Al Jazeera and 11 days by Times of Israel
- Displaced or affected
- More than 3,300 Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera
- Deaths in attack
- Two Israeli soldiers
- Weapons seized
- Four firearms, according to Times of Israel
- Structures demolished
- 15 homes and other structures, according to the Hebron Governorate
- Location
- Hebron, occupied West Bank
7 sources
Displaced Palestinians return to damaged Hebron quarter as Israeli troops withdraw
IDF ends controversial 11-day Hebron operation that followed deadly shooting attack
Israeli army withdraws from Hebron after operation displaces thousands of Palestinians
Hebron governor says Israeli forces withdraw from city after 10-day siege
What people are saying
This morning, following the completion of all operational activities, the soldiers withdrew from the area of operation in Hebron. Counter-terrorism activities throughout Judea and Samaria continue
Palestinian security forces have taken full control of the area following the Israeli withdrawal
Relevant authorities and Palestinian security forces are monitoring developments on the ground and working to provide the necessary conditions for residents to return safely
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بعد حصار دام 10 أيام، وتدمير المنازل ونهب الممتلكات، قوات الاحتلال تنسحب من الخليل. حصار وعدوان تخلله تهجير سكان نحو 540 منزلا ووحدة سكنية، تحويل المنازل إلى ثكنات عسكرية، وتدمير البنى التحتية والمركبات والطرقات، فضلا عن نهب المنازل والمخلات وتخريبها!