Hebron Crisis: 2,200 Residents Evicted in Five-Minute Sweep

Hebron is currently cut off from the outside world.

Israeli forces have sealed every entrance to the occupied West Bank city, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. Mayor Yousef Jaabari confirmed the blockade on Saturday evening. He stated that the occupation has turned the city into a disaster zone. The mayor labeled the restrictions as collective punishment. This followed a deadly shooting incident at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint the previous day.

The eviction order affected approximately 2,200 residents. The area covers about 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. The impacted neighborhoods include Deir Bahala and al-Jalda. Residents told reporters that soldiers gave families five minutes to pack and leave. The displaced group includes elderly people, women, and children. The Palestinian Information Centre reported that forces detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday evening. Officials also demolished businesses and residential buildings during the crackdown.

Videos shared on social media show Palestinian truck drivers hauling goods out of factories. They worked together to move supplies before the demolitions began. The city municipality has stepped in to find shelter for those displaced. Jaabari said the local government declared a state of emergency to address the needs of the displaced population. A crisis hotline has been established for residents seeking assistance during the process.

Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated that staff and custodians were removed from the site. Jaabari reported that no prayers are being held inside the building. Israeli forces have banned the call to prayer. The mosque is a World Heritage Site recognized by Unesco. Palestinians have administered the site for more than 1,400 years. In recent months, Israel has added restrictions that bar Muslim worshippers and facilitate settler access.

The shooting at the checkpoint occurred early on Friday. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops near the site west of the city. Two soldiers were killed and three others were wounded. Jaabari questioned the timing of the military measures. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using the situation for political gain. He said certain ministers are using the residents and their homes as free election publicity. These ministers are contesting elections in the coming days.