Hebron Evictions: 250 Families Displaced After Fatal Checkpoint Shooting

Hundreds of Palestinian families were removed from their homes in Hebron this week.

The displacement followed a shooting incident near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of the city on Friday. Two Israeli soldiers died in the attack, and three others were wounded. The two suspected attackers were killed by military fire. The army launched what it called an operation to thwart terrorism in coordination with the Shin Bet and the Border Police.

Deputy Mayor Khaled al-Qawasmi stated that the military began the operation around midnight on Saturday. Residents in the neighborhoods of al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh were given one hour to vacate their homes. Qawasmi reported that approximately 250 families have been displaced so far. He noted that this number is not final because the military siege is ongoing. More families may be ordered to leave.

Residents described being forced out at gunpoint with little time to gather belongings. Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident of al-Jalada, said soldiers stormed the area shortly after the Friday attack. The military distributed a map designating specific buildings for evacuation. Shahada and his family packed essential items, including medicines and documents, after watching neighbors being removed. Soldiers directed families along a specific route toward Al-Salam Street. Some residents stayed with relatives, while others went to the Child Happiness Centre. The municipality opened this facility to accommodate the displaced.

The military told some families they would be kept out of their homes for six months to a year. Others were told the evacuation would last until further notice. Shahada said he did not know when he could return. He observed soldiers ransacking and vandalizing the houses of neighbors who had been evicted. The military stated it was searching for terrorist infrastructure and weapons. It also reported interrogating dozens of suspects in the area where the attackers operated.

The operation coincided with demolitions in Farsh al-Hawa. Local sources reported that about seven dunums of land were levelled. Israeli forces imposed a broad closure on Hebron and its surrounding villages and refugee camps. Main entrances and roads were blocked. At least 13 Palestinians were arrested in the city, and dozens were detained for field interrogations.

The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan in response to the operation. The plan includes preparing shelters and establishing an operations centre to monitor resident needs. Qawasmi warned that the limited capacity of current shelters could lead to a crisis if the military operation expands further.