Hebron protest demand end to Israeli assault, return of displaced families after 10-day siege

Dozens of Palestinians staged a protest in central Hebron on Sunday, calling for an end to Israel’s ongoing military assault on the city, now in its 10th day, the reopening of residential neighbourhoods and the return of families forced to flee their homes.

Local sources said protesters gathered at Al-Jalda roundabout, holding banners denouncing Israeli measures and what they described as collective punishment of residents. They also called for the lifting of the siege imposed on neighbourhoods across the city and an end to attacks on residents and their property.

The protest was organised at the initiative of displaced residents from the Al-Jalda and Ain Deir Baha areas, who have been holding daily demonstrations with the participation of local residents and institutions to oppose the continued closure of residential areas and the forced displacement of their inhabitants.

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Protesters said the ongoing military measures and closures were not only forcing families from their homes but also disrupting all aspects of daily life, particularly education, with thousands of pupils and university students unable to reach their schools and universities.

According to Hebron Municipality, the Israeli assault has displaced or affected more than 3,300 people, particularly in the Al-Jalda and Ain Deir Baha areas. It has also resulted in the demolition of 15 homes and other structures and the closure of 327 commercial shops, causing major damage to economic activity and the city’s infrastructure.

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