UN warns of ethnic cleansing risk in Hebron operation

The United Nations has warned that Israel's military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron raises serious concerns of "ethnic cleansing," following the displacement of thousands of residents. The operation, launched after Palestinian gunmen killed two soldiers at a checkpoint on Friday, has forced 3,189 people from their homes, according to the Hebron municipality. UN rights chief Volker Türk condemned the "aggressive operation," citing demolished homes, restricted movement, and collective punishment as grave violations of international law. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed deep alarm, noting "the spectre of ethnic cleansing looming ever larger." Israeli media reported a disagreement between military chief Eyal Zamir and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the operation's length, with Netanyahu demanding its continuation despite Zamir's call to end it.