On October 30, 2023, Israel destroyed the homes of attackers in the city of Hebron in the West Bank. This action is part of an operation that was carried out after an attack on a checkpoint on October 23, which led to the deaths of two Israeli soldiers. Following this attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the army to take actions in areas near the checkpoint, which resulted in protests from Palestinian residents.
Extent of Destruction and Displacement of Palestinians
According to reports, the operation to destroy the attackers' homes has resulted in the displacement of more than 3,000 Palestinians. The wives and children of the attackers had previously lived in these homes and are now forced to leave the area due to military pressures. The Israeli army stated that it will act actively and aggressively to prevent future attacks in the West Bank and protect residents.
International Reactions and Criticisms
Palestinian officials have accused Netanyahu of using this operation as a tool to garner support ahead of the general elections in Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have emphasized that this operation is a response to the attack on their soldiers. Additionally, Volker Turk, the UN Human Rights Chief, has expressed concern over the displacement of residents, deeming it a sign of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force. He also pointed to the dangers that could lead to the emptying and ethnic cleansing of neighborhoods.
On the other hand, Netanyahu's government has witnessed a rapid expansion of settlements in occupied areas, which are considered illegal by international organizations and most countries. This, along with an increase in military violence against Palestinians, has complicated the situation further.
On Friday, in Kafr Malik near Ramallah, eyewitnesses reported aggressive behavior from Israeli settlers against Palestinians. This comes as the Israeli army responded to allegations of stone-throwing by Palestinians and arrested two individuals, despite witnesses at the scene not seeing any stone-throwing by Palestinians.
Attacks on Palestinians during the olive harvest, which continues from the end of September to November, have sharply increased, with the human rights group Yesh Din reporting at least 135 physical attacks recorded since October 23.
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