One Hour, 250 Families: Hebron's Sudden Displacement

The conflict in Hebron shifted from a shooting to a mass displacement on Saturday morning. Residents in four neighborhoods received orders to vacate their homes within one hour. The military action followed a Friday attack near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others.

The displacement covers the al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh districts. Khaled al-Qawasmi, the deputy mayor of Hebron, stated that approximately 250 families have been forced to leave so far. He noted the number is not final because the military siege is ongoing. Soldiers began the operation around midnight, allowing residents only sixty minutes to gather their belongings.

Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident of al-Jalada, described the scene from his window. He said soldiers stormed the area shortly after the initial attack and positioned military vehicles near the homes of the Joba family. The Joba family is related to Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, the two men killed by Israeli forces after the checkpoint shooting. Shahada said his family packed small bags with medicines, chargers, and documents while waiting anxiously. He reported that soldiers beat one man during the incursion.

Families were directed along a specific route toward Al-Salam Street. Some went to relatives, while others moved into shelters opened by the municipality. These include the Child Happiness Centre, family guesthouses, and the Korean Centre. Soldiers told Shahada and his family they could return 'until further notice.' Other residents were told they would be kept out for six months to a year.

The military described the action as an operation to thwart terrorism. It involved searches for weapons and 'terrorist infrastructure' in coordination with the Shin Bet and Border Police. The operation coincided with demolitions in Farsh al-Hawa, where local sources reported that seven dunums of land were leveled. Israeli forces imposed a broad closure on Hebron, blocking main entrances and roads. At least 13 Palestinians were arrested, and dozens were detained 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 resident needs. Qawasmi warned that a shelter crisis could emerge if the military expands its reach. The capacity of the current centers is limited. The military operation has not ended, and the closure extends to all gateways of the city.