Hebron sealed as 2,200 residents forced out in five-minute sweep
The mayor declared an emergency after Israeli forces closed all city entrances and demolished 490 housing units following a deadly checkpoint shooting.
By Alina Carter ·
Roughly 2,200 residents were forced from their homes in a five-minute window on Saturday, according to Hebron Mayor Yousef Jaabari. The evictions affect more than 490 housing units spread across a 330-dunam area in the neighborhoods of Deir Bahala and al-Jalda. Jaabari stated that Israeli forces have closed every entrance to the occupied West Bank city, preventing people from entering or leaving.
The displacement followed a shooting incident early Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops at the site. The attack resulted in the death of two soldiers and the wounding of three others. Jaabari characterized the subsequent sealing of the city and the removal of residents as collective punishment.
Residents reported that soldiers gave families five minutes to clear their premises before forces began demolishing structures. The Palestinian Information Centre said at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Videos posted online showed local truck drivers hauling supplies out of factories ahead of the demolition. Businesses and residential buildings were razed as part of the operation.
The municipality has declared a state of emergency and established a crisis hotline to assist displaced families. Jaabari noted that the city administration is currently arranging shelter for those who lost their homes. He described the city as a disaster zone due to the complete blockade of its borders.
Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs reported that staff and custodians were removed from the building. Jaabari said no prayers are currently being held and that the call to prayer has been banned by the military. The mosque has served as a place of worship for over 1,400 years.
In recent months, Israel has increased its control over the site, including barring Muslim worshippers and allowing settler incursions. Jaabari questioned the timing of the crackdown, suggesting that far-right government members are using the situation for political gain. He accused them of leveraging the mosque and its residents for election publicity in the days ahead.
