Hebron Faces Significant Economic Impact Amid Ongoing Conflict

Hebron, a city in the West Bank, is currently experiencing severe economic repercussions due to a prolonged military siege, which has now reached its tenth day. This situation follows a tragic event on October 23, when two Israeli soldiers lost their lives near Hebron, prompting stringent security measures that have displaced thousands of Palestinian families and disrupted daily life.

Economic Toll of the Siege

According to local officials, the ongoing lockdown has resulted in staggering economic losses, with daily damages exceeding 12 million shekels (approximately $3.8 million). Mayor Yousef al-Jabari revealed that infrastructure damage alone is estimated at over $1.9 million, while losses in the health and environmental sectors are close to $160,000.

Impact on Residents

The human toll is equally alarming, with more than 3,300 individuals affected by the destruction of homes and the closure of businesses. The mayor emphasized that 15 homes and various structures have been demolished, leading to the shutdown of 327 businesses. Additionally, around 80,000 students have been unable to attend school for the past ten days, disrupting their education and daily routines.

Hebron’s Economic Significance

Mayor al-Jabari pointed out that Hebron constitutes about 40 percent of the Palestinian economy. He labeled the military actions as “collective punishment,” expressing grave concerns for the future as families fear further military escalation.

Continuing Violence and Arrests

Israeli military operations continue in Hebron and surrounding areas, with reports of arrests and aggression towards Palestinian residents. On Sunday, authorities detained ten Palestinian teachers in Masafer Yatta and confiscated their vehicle. A video circulated by local media, which has been verified, shows Israeli forces raiding a United Nations-run school in the Shufat refugee camp located in occupied East Jerusalem.

Rising Settler Violence

The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) disclosed that October witnessed a record 397 attacks by Israeli settlers targeting Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, the highest monthly total since such tracking began in 2006. Between October 20 and October 26, there were 49 documented settler attacks targeting Palestinian communities, often during the olive harvest season.

Impact on Health and Safety

Injuries have also surged, with nine children among 57 Palestinians wounded during this period. Of these, 34 were reportedly injured by military gunfire and physical violence, while 23 others suffered injuries from settler assaults. Since 2015, Israeli authorities have issued over 9,500 demolition or stop-work orders against Palestinian properties in the West Bank, with 344 of those orders issued just in the first nine months of this year, according to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission.

Conclusion

The current situation in Hebron highlights the devastating impact of conflict on both the economy and the daily lives of its residents. As military actions continue and tensions remain high, the future for many families in Hebron appears increasingly uncertain.

• The siege on Hebron has lasted 10 days, significantly affecting the city’s economy.
• Daily losses attributed to the siege are estimated at $3.8 million.
• More than 3,300 Palestinians have been displaced or impacted.
• The UN reports a record number of settler attacks in October.