SAFA — Israeli occupation forces intensified their military assault on Hebron on Friday, October 30, as the siege entered its eighth consecutive day, forcing 3,361 Palestinians from their homes, trapping hundreds of families and inflicting millions of shekels in daily economic losses.
Israeli military reinforcements, including engineering units, entered Hebron through the northern Farsh al-Hawa entrance and advanced toward the besieged Deir Baha area, which has remained completely sealed off since last Friday.
Israeli forces also stormed the home of Hamoudeh al-Ja'bari, carrying out extensive excavation work and causing significant damage to the property.
The military operation expanded into several Hebron neighborhoods and the southern village of al-Rihiya, where soldiers assaulted residents and detained three Palestinians.
Among those arrested was a former prisoner who had been released the previous day. Israeli forces detained him again following celebrations held by his family to welcome him home.
537 Families Forcibly Displaced
The closure of Hebron's main entrances and exits, combined with the isolation of al-Jelda and Deir Baha, has triggered a deepening humanitarian crisis.
The displaced population includes 232 infants, 1,193 children aged between two and 17, 326 elderly people, 147 pregnant and breastfeeding women, 32 people with disabilities and 213 patients suffering from chronic illnesses.
Hundreds of other families remain trapped inside their homes, facing severe restrictions on movement and growing difficulties obtaining food, medicine and essential supplies.
Hebron's emergency and relief committee has received hundreds of distress calls and formed specialized teams to provide emergency shelter, humanitarian assistance, educational support, legal services and financial aid.
Hebron Loses Up to 12 Million Shekels Daily
The prolonged siege has also severely disrupted Hebron's economy, bringing commercial activity and production across the governorate to a near standstill.
According to the Hebron Chamber of Commerce and Industry, daily economic losses are estimated at 10 million to 12 million shekels, with the dairy sector alone losing approximately one million shekels each day.
Military closures and restrictions have prevented workers, merchants and goods from moving freely, placing additional pressure on businesses and families already struggling with the economic consequences of the occupation.
262,000 Students Affected by School Disruptions
The Israeli assault has also disrupted education throughout the governorate.
Approximately 262,000 students across 589 schools have been affected by school disruptions over the past week.
Thousands of children in besieged neighborhoods and displaced communities remain unable to attend classes, while restrictions on movement have disrupted the work of teachers and school staff.
As the siege enters its eighth day, Palestinians in Hebron continue to face forced displacement, military raids, damage to homes and severe restrictions on their daily lives, with no indication of when the closures will end.
Source : Safa News