Hebron siege enters 10th day as Israel warns of expanded offensive

Israeli forces have maintained a siege on Hebron for the 10th consecutive day, with officials threatening to expand the offensive. The lockdown was enforced after an attack on October 23 that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers.

According to the local municipality, more than 3,300 Palestinians have been displaced or affected by the siege. Homes have been destroyed, and businesses have been shut down, leading to significant economic disruption.

Mayor Yousef al-Jabari stated that daily economic losses exceed 12 million shekels ($3.8 million), with over $1.9 million in infrastructure damage. He also reported that 15 homes and other structures have been demolished, and 327 businesses have been forced to close.

The mayor added that approximately 80,000 students have missed school for 10 days, and Hebron contributes about 40 percent to the Palestinian economy. He described the siege as 'collective punishment' and warned that the army could soon extend its attacks.

Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinian teachers in Masafer Yatta and seized their vehicle, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa. Video footage verified by Al Jazeera showed Israeli military raiding a UN-run school in the Shufat refugee camp in occupied East Jerusalem.

The United Nations humanitarian office reported that Israeli settlers carried out 397 attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank in October, the highest monthly figure since monitoring began in 2006. Between October 20 and 26, settler attacks targeted 49 Palestinian communities, primarily during olive harvests.