Israeli Forces Evict 2,200 Residents From Hebron After Checkpoint Shooting

The West Bank city of Hebron is currently sealed off from all outside access.

Israeli military units closed every entrance to the urban area on Saturday. Approximately 2,200 Palestinians were displaced from their homes during this operation. The affected zone spans 330 dunams of land. This area contains more than 490 housing units. Residents in the neighborhoods of Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and surrounding districts were forced to leave. The group included elderly individuals, women, and children.

Mayor Yousef Jaabari told Middle East Eye on Saturday evening that the occupation has closed all entrances to the city. "No one can enter or leave," he stated. He characterized the military actions as collective punishment. These measures followed a shooting incident that occurred early on Friday. Two suspected Palestinians fired at Israeli troops near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint. This location is situated in the northern part of the city. Two soldiers died in the attack, and three others sustained injuries.

The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Military forces demolished commercial and residential structures during the crackdown. Residents said soldiers provided families with only five minutes to vacate their properties. Truck drivers were seen transporting goods and supplies out of factories before demolition crews arrived. The municipality has established a crisis hotline to assist displaced residents. "We are now monitoring every detail and have declared a state of emergency to meet their needs," Jaabari said.

Israeli forces also shut down the Ibrahimi Mosque. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed that staff and custodians were removed from the site. Jaabari noted that no prayers are currently being held inside the mosque. Israeli authorities have banned the call to prayer. The site is recognized by Unesco as an endangered World Heritage Site. It serves as a holy location for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Palestinians have administered the mosque for more than 1,400 years. In recent months, Israeli officials have added restrictions that bar Muslim worshippers and limit religious practices.

The timing of the military closure drew criticism from local leadership. Jaabari suggested that far-right members of the Israeli government are using the city for political advantage. He accused specific ministers of utilizing the situation for election publicity. These ministers are contesting elections in the coming days. The mayor questioned why the measures were implemented at this specific moment in the political calendar.