Palestinians return to ruined Hebron homes after Israel’s 10-day siege
Returning Hebron residents face significant economic and structural devastation after Israeli military operation.
About 3,300 Palestinians have returned to their homes in Hebron in the occupied West Bank after more than a week of forced displacement, but residents are now faced with a difficult cleanup as withdrawing Israeli forces left behind destruction in homes and neighbourhoods.
The Ein Deir Bahha and al-Jalda neighbourhoods underwent a punishing 10-day assault after two Israeli soldiers were shot dead in the city on October 23. Two Palestinian suspects were also killed. Hundreds of Palestinian families were forced out of their homes, able to carry few belongings, and Israeli forces prevented any residents from returning.
On Monday morning, Hebron Governor Khaled Dodin announced that families could finally access their properties after Israeli soldiers withdrew. But residents arrived to find widespread demolitions, vandalism and other forms of tampering across their neighbourhoods.
When Mujahid tried to secure more time to pack enough clothing for his family during this period, the army issued an ultimatum.