While we were harvesting together on Friday, deeply alarming developments were unfolding elsewhere in the West Bank. Following the killing of two Israeli soldiers near Hebron on 23 October, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to evacuate an entire Palestinian neighborhood and apply the same military approach used in Jenin. According to local reports, approximately 250 Palestinian families have already been evacuated from their homes, and demolitions have begun.

Combatants for Peace condemns all forms of violence, including the killing of the two soldiers. We are also clear that the actions of two individuals cannot justify the collective punishment of an entire community. These measures are part of a broader pattern of forced displacement, home demolitions and settler and state violence that is threatening Palestinian communities across the West Bank.

In response, we submitted an urgent letter to the European Union and the British government, calling for targeted sanctions against Defense Minister Israel Katz and immediate international intervention to prevent further displacement and destruction. This follows an earlier request submitted in July and reflects our deep concern that statements of condemnation and symbolic gestures are no longer enough.

We are calling on governments and international institutions to use their diplomatic and economic influence to prevent collective punishment, protect Palestinian civilians and ensure accountability. We also urge our supporters to contact their elected representatives and demand meaningful action before more families are forced from their homes.