Israel Evacuates Thousands in Hebron, Sparking Fears of Gaza-Like Scenario

Following a shooting attack that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded others, Israeli forces imposed a siege on Hebron, forcing hundreds of families to evacuate their homes and raising fears of a new model of population pressure and geographical reshaping in the West Bank. Palestinian officials warn that the operation could lead to the displacement of thousands, drawing parallels to the Gaza conflict.

Beginning early Saturday, Israeli troops compelled residents of western Hebron neighborhoods, particularly Deir Baha and Al-Jalad, to leave their homes. Palestinian reports indicate that military vehicles and bulldozers raided areas, searched homes, and marked evacuated buildings. Hebron Governor Khaled Dudin described the actions as collective punishment affecting about a third of the city.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Friday that a "very big surprise" awaited the Palestinian Authority, fueling speculation about future Israeli actions in the West Bank. Palestinian activists reported that the army distributed maps indicating around 150 buildings marked for evacuation, with residents instructed to gather necessities and leave. Some residents reported being beaten and arrested during the evacuations and raids, while the Palestinian Prisoners' Club documented about 70 arrests across the West Bank.

Palestinian officials warned of escalating Israeli operations, calling them an assault on Palestinians and their land, and urged international intervention. Concerns extend beyond the immediate evacuation, with fears of long-term displacement due to the lack of a clear timeline for residents' return. A municipal council member noted the operations resemble those in Gaza, where residents were forced to leave without guarantees of return.

Residents have reported being given timelines of ten to fifteen days for the operation's continuation, with some soldiers suggesting return would not be possible soon. Military movements have reportedly exceeded the areas marked on army-distributed maps. There are also fears of home demolitions, particularly for families of the alleged perpetrators, and the removal of structures near the shooting site, which the municipality is preparing to handle.

Reports indicate the initial destruction of a home belonging to the Emrish family and commercial structures. One resident described his family of 20 being forced out of their three-story building, which was then converted into an Israeli military site. Another resident noted evacuations in western Deir Baha, with residents marking homes and raising Israeli flags over buildings repurposed as military posts. Neighbors were reportedly told they could not return for one to two weeks, while others found themselves displaced with no alternative shelter.

Observers suggest the Hebron developments may have political dimensions beyond the immediate military response, linked to Israeli policies in the West Bank and upcoming elections. Analysts believe the actions could be aimed at expanding control, creating demographic and geographical changes through internal displacement, and countering criticism of security failures. This escalation in the southern West Bank may mirror operations in the north. Questions remain whether the Hebron measures will remain limited or expand, especially given unrevealed Israeli statements about further steps.