Hebron:The Israeli army continued its siege of Hebron in the southern occupied West Bank for a second consecutive day, leading to the displacement of numerous Palestinians from their homes.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Israeli forces raided the al-Jilda and Deir Bahha areas in central Hebron, enforcing a complete siege. The forces compelled dozens of residents to vacate their homes and remain outdoors during the early morning hours.

The military operation included an increased deployment of military vehicles and bulldozers, the closure of main entrances and roads leading to Hebron, and the isolation of the city from adjacent areas. Israeli forces conducted raids, searched homes, detained numerous residents, and subjected them to field interrogations before releasing them the same morning.

Simultaneously, Israeli forces detained 19 Palestinians in raids across the occupied West Bank. The arrests comprised two individuals from the Hindaza area and al-Azza refugee camp in Bethlehem, 16 from the Nablus governorate, and one young man from the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp in Jericho.

The occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has experienced an increase in Israeli military operations and violence since Israel initiated its war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023. These actions have resulted in killings, arrests, home demolitions, mosque and vehicle burnings, and agricultural land leveling. Additionally, there have been restrictions on farmers' access to fields, the displacement of Palestinian communities, and the expansion of settlements.

The Israeli army stated that two Palestinians were killed in a shootout with Israeli forces on Friday, alleging that the Palestinians had fired at Israeli settlers in Hebron, injuring five. Following this incident, the army announced a complete closure of Hebron and several nearby towns.