Escalating Tensions in Hebron: Israeli Forces Conduct Raids Following Bombings
In the wake of two bombings targeting settlements near Hebron, Israeli occupation forces have intensified their military presence in the city, raiding neighborhoods and conducting extensive searches. The bombings, which occurred on Friday evening, resulted in injuries to several individuals, including a commander from the Gush Etzion Brigade and settlers. As a response, the Israeli military stormed the Wadi al-Hariyya and Jabal Abu Rumman neighborhoods, destroying homes and arresting multiple citizens.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported the deaths of two young men, Muhammad Ihsan Yaqin Marqa and Zahdi Nidal Abu Afifa, identified as the bombers, during clashes with Israeli forces. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the military demolished a building purportedly used for planning the attacks, further escalating tensions in the region. This operation has been characterized by the mayor of Hebron as a form of collective punishment, severely restricting the movement of residents and impacting public life in the area.
Collective Punishment and Restrictions on Movement
The situation in Hebron has deteriorated significantly since the onset of the conflict following the Gaza war on October 7, 2023. The Israeli military has imposed stringent measures, effectively transforming the city into a large prison for its residents. Checkpoints around the Ibrahimi Mosque have restricted access, preventing worshippers from entering the site, which is a significant religious location for Palestinians.
Local human rights advocates have reported that these actions are not only a violation of freedom of movement but also an attack on the sanctity of religious practices. Many families in the Old City feel trapped in their homes, unable to access basic amenities or even enjoy their balconies. The ongoing closures and military presence have led some residents to abandon their homes altogether, highlighting the severe impact of the occupation on daily life in Hebron.
- The Hebron Agreement of 1997, which divided the city into areas of Israeli and Palestinian control, has led to ongoing tensions and conflict. The recent bombings and subsequent military actions are part of a larger pattern of violence and retaliation that has plagued the region for decades. As the situation evolves, the international community continues to call for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peace.
