2,200 Evicted as Hebron Sealed After Fatal Checkpoint Attack

Roughly 2,200 Palestinians were forced from their homes on Saturday after Israeli forces closed every entrance to Hebron, Mayor Yousef Jaabari said.

Jaabari described the city as a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave. He characterized the measures as collective punishment imposed after a deadly shooting the previous day. The municipality declared a state of emergency and set up a crisis hotline to assist the displaced.

The crackdown follows an incident early Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops, killing two soldiers and wounding three others. In response, forces moved into the Deir Bahala and al-Jalda neighborhoods, which cover about 330 dunams and contain more than 490 housing units.

Residents reported that soldiers gave families five minutes to leave. The evictions affected elderly people, women, and children. The Palestinian Information Centre stated that forces detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday evening and demolished businesses and residential buildings. Videos on social media showed truck drivers hauling goods from factories before demolition.

Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a World Heritage Site, and removed its staff. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed the closure. Jaabari said no prayers are being held and that forces have banned the call to prayer. The site has been administered by Palestinians for more than 1,400 years and serves as a holy location for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the actions. He accused far-right government members of using the city and its residents as free election publicity for ministers contesting elections in the coming days. The mayor said the municipality is monitoring every detail to meet the needs of those displaced.