Hebron Evictions: 250 Families Displaced After Checkpoint Killing

Residents in four Hebron neighborhoods are living in relatives' homes or municipal shelters after Israeli forces ordered them out of their buildings on Saturday morning. The displacement followed a Friday shooting near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint that killed two soldiers and wounded three. The military described the action as an operation to thwart terrorism, coordinating with the Shin Bet and Border Police to search for weapons and interrogate suspects. Both suspected attackers, Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, were killed in the initial exchange.

Khaled al-Qawasmi, deputy mayor of Hebron, stated that approximately 250 families have been forced to leave so far. He noted the figure is not final because the military siege continues. The evacuation covered the neighborhoods of al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh. Al-Jalada is home to the families of the two killed attackers. Qawasmi said the military began its operation around midnight and gave residents one hour to vacate their homes. He emphasized that the orders applied to all residents, including children, who were not permitted to remain in the area.

Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident in the al-Jalada neighborhood, described the incursion beginning shortly after the Friday attack. He said a large number of soldiers accompanied by several military vehicles positioned themselves near the Joba family homes. The military distributed maps designating specific buildings for evacuation. Shahada said his family watched from their windows as soldiers forced other families out, including beating one man. His family packed small bags with medicines, phone chargers, and documents but did not sleep all night. The soldiers directed them along a specific route toward Al-Salam Street.

The military told Shahada's family they could return 'until further notice.' Other residents reported being told they would be kept out for six months to a year. Shahada expressed concern about the condition of their home after seeing neighboring houses left with doors and windows wide open. He described the nearby structures as being ransacked and vandalized during the search. The displacement coincided with demolitions in Farsh al-Hawa, where local sources reported around seven dunums of land were leveled. This included residential buildings, commercial shops, and industrial facilities.

Israeli forces imposed a broad closure on Hebron and surrounding villages, blocking main entrances and roads. They raided homes, conducted searches, and carried out arrests. Local sources reported at least 13 Palestinians were arrested in the city. Dozens of others were detained for several hours for field interrogations. The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan in response to the operation. This includes preparing shelters and establishing an operations center to monitor residents' needs.

Families from the first wave of evacuations sought refuge with relatives or in municipal facilities. The municipality opened the Childhood Happiness Centre, the Korean Centre, and several family guesthouses to accommodate those affected. Qawasmi warned that the limited capacity of these centers could lead to a shelter crisis if the operation expands. He said the closure extends to the entrances and gateways of Hebron, with forces deployed across various parts of the city. The military has not announced an end to the operation.

The operation focuses on the area from which the alleged attackers operated. Residents can leave through designated exits, according to the military. The Shin Bet and Border Police are involved in the coordination of the effort. The two soldiers killed in the Friday shooting were part of the unit at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint. The three wounded soldiers received medical treatment. The military continues to search for what it describes as terrorist infrastructure and weapons in the targeted neighborhoods.