Arrests, demolitions, raids and displacement: Israel launches days-long West Bank offensive

Israeli forces in the West Bank city of Al Khalil, also known as Hebron, have forcibly displaced dozens of families, demolished buildings, conducted raids, and arrested at least 13 individuals, according to the Wafa news agency. The military operation, which is expected to last several days, aims to prevent potential attacks by armed suspects.

The city's entrances have been sealed off, and residents are only allowed to leave through designated exits after interrogation and inspection. Five people were injured, including two Israeli soldiers who were killed in a shooting at a military checkpoint near Al Khalil on Friday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a full closure of the West Bank.

Two injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition. Palestinian media identified the injured as Mohammad Jaaba and Firas Jaaba, both 27 years old and from Al Khalil, who authorities claim were planning a large-scale attack on Israelis. Israeli forces demolished a residential building in Farsh Al Hawa, west of the city, preventing residents from entering or leaving.

Palestinian activists and human rights organizations have condemned the operation, describing it as ethnic cleansing. Palestinian families have been displaced from their homes and shops, and around 250,000 people are trapped in the city. The Palestinian Authority expressed concern over the collective punishment of its residents.

Israel has also demolished a building in Farsh Al Hawa, alleging it was a terror infrastructure. The Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, has linked the operation to national security concerns ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.