Palestinian Rights Commission calls for international investigation into home demolitions and forced evacuations in Hebron

The Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) has condemned Israeli military operations in Hebron, warning that the demolition of homes, forced evacuation of residential neighbourhoods and restrictions imposed on civilians may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, Anadolu reports.

In a statement issued Sunday, the commission, also known as the Ombudsman, called for an immediate halt to the measures and an urgent international investigation, urging that those responsible be held accountable before international courts.

The commission said Israeli forces had maintained closures around Hebron and its entrances following an armed operation on Friday, 23^rd October, while ordering hundreds of Palestinian families to evacuate their homes.

According to the statement, Israeli forces have demolished residential buildings and commercial facilities, raided homes, detained residents, seized property and imposed severe restrictions on movement throughout the city.

The commission identified the Al-Jalda and Deir Bahha neighbourhoods as areas affected by evacuation orders, while reporting the demolition of buildings and commercial facilities in Farsh al-Hawa.

It also warned of threats to expand the evacuations and demolitions to additional areas.

The rights organization said these measures were depriving Palestinian families of their homes and livelihoods, leaving displaced residents without adequate shelter and limiting their access to essential services.

It highlighted the particularly severe consequences for women, children, older people and persons with disabilities, who face heightened risks as a result of displacement and restrictions on movement.

The commission characterized the measures as collective punishment and forced displacement, arguing that they constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law requiring immediate intervention.

It further linked the developments in Hebron to what it described as a broader Israeli policy of expanding displacement and destruction operations across the occupied West Bank.

The organization cited statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz concerning the possible application in Hebron of military tactics previously used in refugee camps in the northern West Bank.

According to the commission, those tactics include the evacuation of residents and the destruction of infrastructure.

The commission called for urgent international action to protect Palestinian civilians, halt the demolitions and forced evacuations, and investigate potential violations of international law.