The number of Palestinian families affected by the ongoing Israeli occupation assault in the occupied West Bank city of Al-Khalil has risen to 488, while humanitarian assistance has begun reaching thousands of residents forced from their homes, according to local authorities.

Daily updates released by the Al-Khalil Municipality said the number of affected families and forcibly displaced residents has nearly tripled since the military operation began on Friday.

Occupation forces have reportedly forced approximately 3,171 Palestinians to leave their homes, particularly in the Deir Bahha and Al-Jalda neighbourhoods. Hundreds of other residents remain trapped inside their homes in surrounding areas after Israeli occupation forces prevented them from leaving.

Relief efforts under way

The Follow-up, Support and Relief Committee, established under the Al-Khalil Governorate, has begun distributing the first batch of humanitarian aid and essential supplies to families displaced by the ongoing military operation.

The committee said the assistance marks the first phase of relief efforts and that aid deliveries will continue around the clock in coordination with relevant institutions until the military operation ends and the needs of affected families are met.

The committee brings together government institutions, civil society organisations, representatives of the private sector, local community groups and international organisations. In addition to providing humanitarian assistance, it is also assessing damage to homes and other property caused during the operation.

Displacement continues to grow

Local officials said the military operation has significantly expanded since its first day, with the number of displaced residents increasing steadily as occupation forces continue raids, movement restrictions and forced evacuations in several neighbourhoods.

The ongoing operation has also disrupted daily life across Hebron, where road closures and military checkpoints have limited movement and affected access to workplaces, schools and essential services.(ILKHA)