Hebron Housing Crisis: Locals Open Homes as Displacement Surges

Residents of Hebron in the occupied West Bank are currently hosting displaced families in their private homes. This grassroots effort is occurring after an Israeli military operation forced thousands of people from their neighborhoods. The city's authorities have declared a state of emergency to coordinate the response.

The conflict began on Friday when two Palestinians attacked an Israeli military checkpoint in the Farsh Al-Hawa area. Two soldiers were killed and others were wounded during the assault. The two gunmen were killed in the exchange. Since that incident, Israeli forces have placed Hebron under a lockdown. The military has focused its operations on the neighborhood where the attack took place.

City officials state that more than 2,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced. Nearly half of those displaced are babies and children under the age of 18. The group also includes 81 pregnant women and 204 elderly people. Fahd Ahmaro left his home with his family because the women and children were terrified. He noted that he left with only the clothes on his back. His savings, belongings, and documents remain in the house, and he says returning is no longer safe.

A local crisis group has been formed to manage the situation. This committee includes government agencies, private sector representatives, and civil society members. Riyadh Khamis, a member of the committee, said that philanthropists could not accept the idea of displaced residents staying in temporary shelters. He explained that many opened their own homes instead. Khamis described Hebron as a city known for social solidarity and generosity.

Real estate developer Mohamed Al-Rujoob acted early in the crisis. He owns several apartments in Dura, a town near Hebron. He announced that these units would be available to displaced families. Other owners followed his lead. Al-Rujoob now houses three extended families, which includes 30 children. He stated that the goal is to preserve people's dignity. He added that anyone could be in need of shelter tomorrow because all Palestinians live under the same occupation.

Israeli forces have demolished a three-story building and industrial facilities in Farsh Al-Hawa. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also holds the West Bank portfolio in the Ministry of Defence, said he ordered their destruction. The area is described as barely recognizable. The Israeli army says the lockdown covers nearly 1 million Palestinians in the city and the wider district.

Educational institutions have adjusted to the situation. Schools have switched to online classes. Hebron's universities have made similar arrangements for their 18,000 students until the operation ends. Movement is especially restricted in the Fawwar refugee camp, which is home to nearly 8,000 people. Israeli soldiers closed the camp's entrance gate on Saturday. Residents cannot enter or leave the area, even on foot.

Abdel Fattah Al-Ttitti is a teacher who lives in the camp and works at a Hebron school. He said the residents are locked in. He noted that a patient might be taken to a clinic in Masafer Yatta, but that facility is poorly equipped for emergencies. The operation continues as Israeli voters go to the polls in a general election on Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is competing for right-wing votes. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Settlement Affairs Minister Orit Strook both live in settlements near Hebron. They support removing Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza, a move they call encouraging voluntary migration.