Hebron residents face repairs after 11-day Israeli military blockade

Israeli soldiers lifted the total blockade of Hebron on Monday, ending an 11-day military incursion that began on 23 October. The operation, which started after two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers in a shootout, sealed the city's entrances and closed major roads. Residents are now returning to homes and businesses to assess the extent of the damage and clear debris from the streets.

The economic impact on the city has been severe. The Hebron Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates that direct losses exceeded 12 million shekels, or roughly $3.8 million, per day during the blockade. A total of 327 commercial and economic establishments were forced to shut down. Fifteen facilities were destroyed, and approximately 1,350 people lost their livelihoods. Municipal authorities estimate that damage to streets, water lines, electricity networks, and city equipment stands at around six million shekels, or $1.9 million.

Humanitarian figures released by UNICEF, citing the Hebron Municipality, indicate that 483 families were displaced by 30 October. This group comprised 4,304 people, including 1,845 children. Abbas Mujahid, whose family of seven was forced from their home in the al-Jalda neighborhood, said soldiers had torn off wooden and iron doors and smashed decorative gypsum elements. He reported that light fixtures were broken, clothes were scattered, and human excrement was left throughout the house. Mujahid estimates repair costs in the tens of thousands of shekels.

Business owners reported specific targets for demolition. Iyad al-Qawasmi, who owned a used vehicle parts business in Farsh al-Hawa, said soldiers gave him one hour to evacuate his three-dunum facility before destroying it. When he requested a written order, soldiers claimed an Israeli court had already issued the decision. Al-Qawasmi attempted to salvage his inventory with a bulldozer, but army and settler machinery seized at least 400 vehicles and other equipment. He estimates his total losses exceed 2.5 million shekels, or $790,000. The business employed at least ten people, affecting the income of roughly 70 family members.

Yousef al-Jabari, the mayor of Hebron, stated that a government committee has been formed to assess damages. Engineers are currently visiting affected homes to document thefts of gold, cash, and personal belongings, as well as structural harm. Al-Jabari said that restoring the city to a normal state and repairing the damage to municipal infrastructure will require at least one month. The military response has drawn accusations of collective punishment due to the scale of the displacement and demolitions.