UNRWA Expresses Concern over Situation in Hebron, West Bank

Ramallah (ANTARA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on Tuesday (27 October) expressed deep concern over the situation in Hebron.

“For nearly a week, residents of Hebron, the largest city in the occupied West Bank, have been living under ‘crippling’ security conditions imposed by Israeli occupying forces since 23 October,” Roland Friedrich, UNRWA’s Director for the West Bank, said on X.

“More than 3,000 Palestinians have reportedly been forced to leave their homes as part of a large-scale operation by Israeli security forces, which has also involved widespread destruction of homes and private property,” he said.

“Near-total closures across much of Hebron are severely restricting residents’ freedom of movement and access to essential services.”

Friedrich noted that “these developments bring to mind the mass displacement in the northern occupied West Bank in early 2025, where more than 34,000 Palestinian refugees from the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams camps remain displaced more than a year later.”

He stressed that “any form of collective punishment is contrary to international law” and that “all those forced to flee must be allowed to return, with their dignity and rights under international law respected”, while ensuring continued protection of their access to essential services.

He said UNRWA was working with other humanitarian partners and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to coordinate with the Hebron Governorate and municipal authorities in responding to urgent needs on the ground. This includes distributing emergency assistance such as blankets, mattresses and pillows to affected families.