Palestinians return to Hebron homes after 11-day IDF siege, finding ransacked
Thousands of Palestinians have returned to their homes in Hebron after Israeli forces withdrew following an 11-day military operation.
An 11-day siege of Hebron ended this week. The siege started after a shooting on October 23 in which two gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers at a military checkpoint.
The gunmen were then shot dead. Israeli authorities demolished homes in the city's west.
One was the family house of one gunman. Dozens of other buildings were also destroyed.
Residents returning to their flats found ransacked bedrooms and broken furniture. Rubbish was left throughout.
One family discovered beds drenched in urine. An eight-year-old boy developed chest pain from stress.
He was found to be in psychological shock. A business owner said soldiers took at least 10 cameras, 17 lenses and computer hard drives from his production company.
The IDF said troops followed guidelines to preserve property. They said they are not aware of theft allegations.
The UN's human rights chief called the operation's force unnecessary and disproportionate.
- 11 days
- Siege duration
- Two Israeli soldiers
- Soldiers killed
- Hamouda al-Jabaa, 27
- One gunman's age
- 10 cameras, 17 lenses, hard drives
- Items stolen
Why it mattersThe siege shows the toll military operations take on civilian populations. It raises questions about proportionality in conflict and accountability for alleged abuses.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but the story reflects ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions and humanitarian concerns that shape Australia's Middle East policy and aid priorities.
