Displaced Residents Return to Hebron Homes After Israeli Siege

Residents of the al-Jalada neighbourhood in Hebron began returning to their properties after an Israeli military operation concluded following a ten-day displacement. The operation, which started on October 24 in response to an attack on Israeli soldiers nearby, left hundreds of families displaced and local businesses shut down. Among those affected was Nour al-Natsha, a 35-year-old orthopaedic surgeon who was given twenty minutes to evacuate with his family, taking only essentials while leaving behind most of their belongings.

After receiving confirmation of the military withdrawal early Monday morning, al-Natsha and his relatives made their way back to inspect the property. They found doors wide open and the residence in complete disarray, with several items missing, including his young daughter Ilya's pet bird. Despite the heart-breaking condition of the house, family members immediately set to work cleaning and clearing potential hazards to make the space habitable again.

Displaced Hebron families return to damaged and ransacked homes after a ten-day military siege.

The displacement affected an estimated 3,300 people across 537 families in the area, according to figures from the Hebron Governorate’s Support and Relief Committee. For many returning residents, the immediate focus is on restoring a sense of stability and normalcy, even as they confront the physical damage and emotional toll of the events.

Rebuilding After Being Displaced

While the destruction and missing possessions presented immediate challenges, residents expressed relief at simply being able to return to their homes. Khaled Shawer, a 68-year-old neighbourhood resident, noted that physical damage and debris could be addressed over time, emphasizing that returning to their properties was the priority for regaining psychological and physical stability.

Why it matters

The end of the military operation and the return of displaced residents highlights the immediate humanitarian impact of security measures on civilian populations in the occupied West Bank. Families are left to assess property damage, address missing belongings, and cope with the psychological effects of displacement, reflecting the broader challenges of daily life and stability in the region.