Two Israeli soldiers killed in firing near Hebron; Israel imposes strict lockdown across West Bank

Israel has imposed a strict lockdown in the Palestinian West Bank. Conflict in the Middle East was already at its peak, and the new step has heightened tension further. The everyday lives of thousands of Palestinians have been disrupted.

Palestinian gunmen suddenly opened fire at a military checkpoint near the city of Hebron. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the attack and three more were wounded. The Israeli military retaliated, and two Palestinian civilians were killed.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately ordered a siege of Hebron and a lockdown across the entire West Bank. Israeli soldiers then surrounded the whole city and began a strict crackdown. There is now discussion across the world on how far the lockdown is justified in law and morality.

During the military operation, large-scale raids were carried out in the Al Jalada and Ain Deir Baha areas of Hebron. Many homes were searched, and some houses, shops and buildings were demolished. An estimated 1,200 Palestinian civilians have left their homes and belongings and moved to whatever safe place they could find. There is an atmosphere of fear in the area. The elderly and young children are suffering the most.

The Israeli military has closed key roads and entry gates in several West Bank cities and set up checkpoints at many places. Every resident's movements are being closely watched. Hospitals, schools, businesses and livelihoods are being affected. Some people are unable to leave even for medical treatment, which has added to their hardship.

The Palestinian administration has called the action collective punishment. The United Nations, for its part, has expressed concern over the entire development.