Hebron sealed off, 2,200 residents evicted after checkpoint killings
Mayor Yousef Jaabari says Israeli forces have locked the city and displaced families from a 330-dunam zone following the death of two soldiers.
By Layla Fontaine ·
Israeli forces closed all entrances to the West Bank city of Hebron and removed approximately 2,200 residents from their homes, Mayor Yousef Jaabari said on Saturday evening. Jaabari described the situation as a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave. He labeled the actions as collective punishment taken in response to a deadly shooting incident the previous day.
The trigger for the closure was a shooting near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron early Friday. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops at the location. The attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and the wounding of three others.
The evictions targeted residents in the neighborhoods of Deir Bahala and al-Jalda. The affected area spans roughly 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Jaabari noted that the displaced group includes elderly people, women, and children. According to the Palestinian Information Centre, Israeli forces also detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday evening. During the crackdown, soldiers demolished both businesses and residential buildings.
Residents reported that soldiers gave families only five minutes to vacate their homes. Footage shared on social media showed Palestinian truck drivers moving goods and supplies out of factories before demolition crews arrived. The Hebron municipality declared a state of emergency to assist those who lost their homes. A crisis hotline was established for residents seeking help with shelter and other needs.
Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated that staff and custodians were removed from the site. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are currently being held and that the call to prayer has been banned. Palestinians have administered the mosque for more than 1,400 years. In recent months, Israel has increased control over the site, including barring some Muslim worshippers and allowing settler visits.
Jaabari questioned the timing of the military actions. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using the crisis for political gain. He stated that certain ministers are contesting elections in the coming days and are using Hebron and its residents as a platform for free publicity.
The municipality continues to monitor the situation and coordinate shelter for displaced families. The city remains sealed off with all entry points closed as of Saturday evening.
