3-12-2024 (WEST BANK) Fresh allegations of systematic abuse and arbitrary detention of Palestinians by Israeli forces have emerged from the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, according to extensive research by human rights organisation B’Tselem and independent witness accounts.
The investigation reveals a troubling pattern of intensified violence against Palestinian civilians since October 2023, with victims reporting physical assaults, psychological torture, and unlawful detentions. The alleged incidents frequently occur during routine daily activities, with victims being targeted for such minor infractions as possessing photos of Palestinian flags on their mobile phones.
In one particularly disturbing case, 60-year-old shopkeeper Bader a-Tamimi reported being physically assaulted after protesting the destruction of merchandise in his souvenir shop. Multiple witnesses described a consistent pattern: being handcuffed, blindfolded, and transported to military installations where they endured hours of abuse.
???????????????????? THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU IDENTIFY AS PALESTINIAN IN THE WEST BANK.
– The Savior pic.twitter.com/9uHGcGooQN
— Jos Quinten (@TaranQ) December 3, 2024
The situation has reportedly worsened in H2, the Israeli-controlled sector of Hebron, where approximately 33,000 Palestinians live alongside 900 Israeli settlers under the protection of up to 1,500 Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers. The area, already one of the most militarised in the occupied territories, has seen the implementation of strict movement restrictions, including an ongoing night-time curfew.
B’Tselem’s executive director highlighted what the organisation describes as a fundamental shift in the “scope, type and severity” of violence against Palestinians. Particularly concerning are reports of soldiers recording or livestreaming acts of abuse, suggesting a lack of concern about potential consequences.
The investigation documented several cases of apparent retaliation against individuals who spoke to media outlets about their experiences. One such case involved 19-year-old Amir Jaber and his 50-year-old father, who reported being detained and beaten shortly after speaking with journalists.
The broader context includes a significant surge in violence throughout the West Bank since October 2023, with the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah reporting nearly 800 fatalities from Israeli fire, including 160 children. The situation has been further complicated by increased settler violence and a record number of administrative detentions.
When approached for comment, IDF representatives stated they could not properly investigate specific allegations without detailed information, though they confirmed certain detention incidents for questioning purposes.
The findings paint a picture of deteriorating conditions in Hebron, where Palestinians report living under constant fear of arbitrary violence. Rights groups argue these actions appear designed to pressure residents into abandoning their homes or accepting a state of perpetual insecurity.
This escalation of tensions occurs against the backdrop of Hebron’s unique status as a divided city, split between Palestinian Authority administration (H1) and Israeli military control (H2), an arrangement that was initially temporary but has become effectively permanent.
