2,200 Residents Evicted as Hebron Sealed Off

The occupied West Bank city of Hebron is currently sealed off, with nearly 2,200 residents forced from their homes.

The crisis began early Friday when two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron. The attack resulted in the death of two soldiers and left three others wounded. In response, Israeli forces moved to secure the area and initiated a series of restrictive measures against the civilian population.

By Saturday evening, the blockade was total. Mayor Yousef Jaabari confirmed that all entrances to the city were closed, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. He described the situation as a disaster zone and labeled the actions collective punishment. The evictions primarily targeted residents of the Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and nearby neighborhoods. These areas encompass approximately 330 dunams and contain more than 490 housing units, with many of the displaced being elderly people, women, and children.

Reports from the ground indicated that soldiers gave families as little as five minutes to vacate their properties. The Palestinian Information Centre stated that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished businesses and residential structures during the crackdown. Social media footage showed local truck drivers coordinating efforts to remove goods from factories before the buildings were torn down.

The municipality has declared a state of emergency and established a crisis hotline to assist the displaced. Jaabari stated that the city administration is monitoring every detail to meet the immediate needs of those without shelter. The Ibrahimi Mosque, a World Heritage Site, has also been shut. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs reported that staff and custodians were removed, and no prayers are currently being held. Israeli forces have banned the call to prayer, a move that aligns with recent efforts to increase control over the site, which has been administered by Palestinians for over 1,400 years.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the operation, suggesting political motivations behind the crackdown. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using the situation for election publicity. The mayor noted that certain ministers are contesting elections in the coming days, and he believes the events in Hebron are being leveraged for political gain.