The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed grave concerns over an ongoing Israeli operation in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, warning that the actions raise serious alarms of ethnic cleansing. The operation, which began on Friday, has reportedly led to the forced displacement of over 3,000 Palestinians, the demolition of homes and commercial properties, and severe restrictions on the freedom of movement for residents.

Türk condemned the "aggressive operation," highlighting that the measures taken appear punitive and designed to instill fear, which he deemed unacceptable and a grave violation of international law. He stated that "threats to empty and erase entire neighborhoods also raise serious concerns of ethnic cleansing."

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, confirmed that partners are assisting local authorities in addressing the needs of those evacuated by Israeli forces. The operation in Hebron was initiated following an attack on an Israeli military checkpoint near the city, which resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

High Commissioner Türk called for an immediate halt to the excessive and disproportionate use of force, demanding that all displaced individuals be allowed to return to their homes. He also stressed the necessity for Israel to provide compensation and reparations for unlawful evictions and demolitions.

Recent reports from UN human rights bodies have indicated a broader pattern of concern in the West Bank. A report covering the period up to October 2025 warned of accelerated Israeli settlement expansion and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians, suggesting a "concerted Israeli policy of mass forcible transfer throughout the occupied territory, aimed at permanent displacement, raising concerns of ethnic cleansing." Another report, detailing the destruction of refugee camps in the West Bank between December 2024 and January 2026, documented serious human rights violations and called for an end to unlawful Israeli practices.

Furthermore, a UN Human Rights Office report released in January 2026 detailed the "asphyxiating impact" of Israeli laws and policies on Palestinians in the West Bank, warning of violations of international law regarding racial segregation and apartheid. An earlier report from March 2026 also noted that Israel has accelerated unlawful settlement expansion and annexation, forcibly displacing over 36,000 Palestinians amid increasing violence.

These developments come as independent UN human rights investigators also released a report on October 26, 2026, stating that Israel has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians and continues to commit genocide in Gaza.