SAFA — Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi condemned Israel's ongoing military siege of Hebron in the occupied West Bank as a form of collective punishment on Monday, warning that the escalating assault could be used to advance Israeli plans for annexation and the forced displacement of Palestinians.

Mardawi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government of exploiting the military escalation for political and electoral gains, as Israeli forces continue raiding Palestinian neighborhoods, forcing families from their homes and tightening restrictions across the governorate.

He stressed that Israeli military operations and settler attacks would neither break Palestinians' determination nor force them to abandon their land and holy sites.

Mardawi called for strengthened Palestinian steadfastness and urged the international community and human rights organizations to intervene immediately to lift the siege, halt attacks on civilians and curb Israeli settler violence.

Over 2,600 Palestinians Displaced as Hebron Assault Enters Fourth Day

His statements came as Israel's military assault on Hebron entered its fourth consecutive day, with additional troop deployments, extensive home raids and sweeping road closures.

According to the Hebron Relief and Support Committee, approximately 2,649 Palestinians have been displaced by the ongoing operation.

Hebron Governor Khaled Dwaidat said Israeli forces have forcibly displaced 450 families, arrested more than 70 Palestinians and searched over 500 homes.

He added that soldiers have smashed household belongings, established field interrogation centers and imposed restrictions that have effectively fragmented the governorate.

Israeli forces have sealed 128 gates and access points and established 120 military checkpoints, severely restricting Palestinian movement between neighborhoods, towns and refugee camps.

Military reinforcements have entered Hebron through Farsh al-Hawa and southern areas near Jabal Karbaj, while troops and military vehicles have deployed across al-Jalda and Ein Deir Baha.

Residents also described the confiscation of Palestinian vehicles and the forced evacuation of homes.

Israeli forces continue to impose tight closures on al-Jalda and Ein Deir Baha, preventing displaced families from returning to parts of their neighborhoods.

Restrictions have also affected entrances to Hebron, Idhna, Bani Na'im and Halhul, alongside al-Fawwar and al-Arrub refugee camps.

Warning Against Annexation and Forced Displacement

Mardawi warned that the military escalation could serve broader Israeli efforts to consolidate control over Palestinian territory and drive residents from their communities.

He held Israeli authorities responsible for the consequences of the siege and called for urgent international action to protect Palestinian civilians.

His warning comes as thousands of Palestinians in Hebron face displacement, military raids and restrictions on access to their homes, livelihoods and essential services.