Hebron Mayor: 2,200 Evicted as City Sealed After Checkpoint Killings

Israeli forces sealed off the West Bank city of Hebron on Saturday and forced approximately 2,200 residents from their homes, according to Mayor Yousef Jaabari. The city is now inaccessible, with no one able to enter or leave, Jaabari stated on Saturday evening. He characterized the closure as collective punishment following a fatal shooting incident the previous day.

The crisis began early Friday when two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron. The attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to three others. In response, military units moved into the Deir Bahala and al-Jalda neighborhoods. These areas cover roughly 330 dunams and contain more than 490 housing units, including homes occupied by elderly people, women, and children.

Residents reported that soldiers gave families five minutes to vacate their homes. The Palestinian Information Centre confirmed that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. During this period, forces demolished businesses and residential structures. Social media videos captured truck drivers rushing to move goods from factories before demolition crews arrived.

The municipal government has declared a state of emergency to manage the displacement. Jaabari said the city is monitoring every detail of the operation. A crisis hotline has been established to assist those affected by the evictions. The mayor noted that the municipality is currently securing shelter for the displaced population.

Israeli forces also shut down the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated that staff and custodians were removed from the location. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are being held and that the call to prayer has been banned. The mosque has been administered by Palestinians for more than 1,400 years, though Israel has recently increased restrictions on Muslim worshippers and settler access.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the military actions. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using Hebron and its residents as election publicity for ministers contesting upcoming polls. The mayor suggested the measures were timed to benefit specific political figures before the votes were cast.