Hebron Suffers Major Economic Damage Amid Ongoing Israeli Military Actions

Hebron, a significant city in the West Bank, is currently facing severe economic challenges as the Israeli military continues its operations for the tenth consecutive day. This ongoing action has led to substantial displacement of Palestinian families and rampant business closures, following an attack on Israeli soldiers in late October. According to local officials, the financial toll of these events is considerable, raising concerns over the impact on the Palestinian economy.

Escalating Economic Impact

The local municipality reports that over 3,300 Palestinians have been displaced due to home demolitions and closures of businesses. Mayor Yousef al-Jabari stated that daily economic losses are estimated at over 12 million shekels (about $3.8 million). This figure includes significant infrastructure damage estimated at more than $1.9 million and losses in health and environmental sectors around $160,000. In total, 15 homes and other structures have been demolished, and 327 businesses forced to cease operations. Additionally, approximately 80,000 students have been unable to attend school during this ongoing crisis.

Concerns of Collective Punishment

Mayor al-Jabari emphasized that Hebron plays a crucial role in the Palestinian economy, contributing about 40% to its overall output. He referred to the siege as a form of “collective punishment,” raising fears among local families that military actions could escalate further.

Raids and Settler Attacks

On Sunday, Israeli forces continued to carry out arrests, detaining ten Palestinian teachers in Masafer Yatta, located south of Hebron, and confiscating their vehicle. Video footage confirmed reports of a military raid on a United Nations-run school in the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem.

The United Nations’ humanitarian office, OCHA, reported a significant increase in violence, noting that Israeli settlers conducted 397 attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank during October, marking the highest rate since records began in 2006. Between October 20 and October 26 alone, settler violence targeted 49 Palestinian communities, particularly affecting those harvesting olives.

This violence resulted in injuries to 57 Palestinians, including nine children, with many being harmed by military gunfire, physical assaults, and settler attacks. According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, since 2015, there have been over 9,500 demolition or stop-work orders against Palestinian properties in the West Bank, with 344 issued in the first nine months of this year.

Conclusion

The ongoing military action in Hebron and its surrounding areas continues to have a devastating effect on both the local population and the economy. As tensions rise and the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the impact on Palestinian families and businesses becomes more pronounced, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.

• Hebron faces over $3.8 million in daily economic losses due to military operations.
• More than 3,300 Palestinians have been displaced amidst home demolitions.
• 80,000 students are unable to attend school.
• October recorded the highest number of settler attacks since monitoring began.