Israel locks down West Bank after two soldiers killed near Hebron
One Turn followed this story across 9 editions, from Gaza Strip on October 6, 2026. Newest first.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 war, and violence there has risen since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Israelis vote in a parliamentary election next week.
Two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded others at a checkpoint outside Hebron on Friday before being shot dead, the Israeli military said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a closure of the West Bank, a siege of Hebron and Halhul, demolitions and the displacement of residents of the gunmen's neighborhood, and said a large-scale operation was 'on the way'. The UN said it was extremely alarmed, Israeli rights group B'Tselem urged international pressure to halt planned expulsions, and Hamas praised the attack without claiming it.
Why it matters: The closure restricts movement for millions of Palestinians days before Israel's parliamentary election.
An Israeli drone strike killed one Palestinian in Nuseirat camp and another wounded 13 in Gaza City, medical sources and the Palestine Red Crescent said, after four people including a 17-year-old girl were reported killed in 24 hours. UN funding shortages will leave half a million people without food assistance, Middle East Eye reported. Israel's military said it killed a Hamas militant involved in planning the killing of four soldiers in 2025.
Why it matters: Aid cuts and continued strikes raise the risk of renewed famine for Gaza's displaced population.
The World Food Programme said funding shortfalls are forcing it to cut monthly food support for about 500,000 people in Gaza, reducing recipients from 1.6 million to 1.1 million. Remaining families will get smaller rations and less cash, while two-thirds of the population faces crisis levels of food insecurity, according to the agency.
Why it matters: The cuts come as winter approaches and the WFP warns hunger in Gaza is likely to deepen.
The World Food Programme is reducing the number of Gazans it supports from 1.6 million to 1.1 million because of funding shortages. The agency says two-thirds of the population faces crisis-level hunger and 200,000 are at risk of famine.
Why it matters: Hunger is set to deepen this winter despite the ceasefire, as global aid budgets shrink.
The head of the World Food Programme said life in Gaza is brutal, with 1.4 million people facing acute food shortages and funding gaps forcing aid cuts despite the US-brokered ceasefire. Gaza's health ministry said five Palestinians, including two children, were killed by Israeli forces since dawn.
Why it matters: Aid funding shortfalls threaten a humanitarian situation that remains dire despite the ceasefire.
The Israeli military said an airstrike in Gaza City killed Muhammad Muhsen Nimr Yazji. Israel says he took part in holding hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Matan Angrest.
Why it matters: Continued strikes in Gaza show the conflict persists despite efforts to stabilise the territory.
The Israeli military said an airstrike in Gaza City killed Muhammad Muhsen Nimr Yazji. Israel says he helped hold hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Matan Angrest.
Why it matters: Continued airstrikes in Gaza show the conflict remains active.
On the third anniversary of the Hamas-led attack, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said the military has killed 4,000 militants who took part in the October 7, 2023 assault.
Why it matters: The claim reflects how Israel frames its war aims as the anniversary of the attack is marked.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military has killed 4,000 militants who took part in the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. The claim comes on the eve of the attack's third anniversary.
Why it matters: The statement reflects Israel's continued framing of the Gaza war around pursuing those responsible for October 7.