Israeli Forces Seal Hebron and Displace 2,200 Residents
The mayor declared a state of emergency after troops gave families five minutes to leave their homes following a deadly checkpoint shooting.
By Kaito Shevchenko ·
Israeli military forces have closed all access points to Hebron in the occupied West Bank, effectively sealing the city from the outside world. Mayor Yousef Jaabari confirmed on Saturday evening that approximately 2,200 Palestinian residents were removed from their homes in a rapid operation. He stated that the city is now a disaster zone where no one can enter or exit.
The closures follow a shooting incident early Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, located west of Hebron. Two Israeli soldiers were killed and three others were wounded when suspected Palestinians fired on troops at the site. Jaabari characterized the subsequent military response as collective punishment.
The evictions concentrated in the Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and surrounding neighborhoods. This zone spans roughly 330 dunams and contains over 490 housing units. Residents reported that soldiers allowed families only five minutes to pack and depart. The Palestinian Information Centre noted that at least 40 people were detained on Saturday evening, while forces demolished commercial and residential structures.
Jaabari said the municipality has declared a state of emergency to address the needs of the displaced population. Officials are currently monitoring the situation and have established a crisis hotline for assistance. Social media videos captured local truck drivers transporting goods out of factories before Israeli forces demolished the buildings.
The military also shut down the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as a Palestinian World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs reported that troops removed the mosque's staff and custodians. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are being held and that the call to prayer has been banned. The site has served as a place of worship for Muslims, Jews, and Christians for more than 1,400 years.
In recent months, Israel has increased its control over the mosque by barring Muslim worshippers and allowing settler access. Jaabari questioned the timing of the crackdown, suggesting that far-right members of the Israeli government are using the crisis for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.
Source: Middle East Eye
