Hebron Residents Face Displacement After Deadly Attack

Residents of Hebron found their homes empty or occupied by soldiers on Saturday morning, days after a shooting that killed two Israeli troops. The displacement affected approximately 250 families across four specific neighborhoods, according to Khaled al-Qawasmi, the deputy mayor. For many, the departure was abrupt, with little time to gather essential items before being directed to temporary shelters or the homes of relatives.

The military action began in response to a shooting incident that occurred Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of the city. During the encounter, two soldiers were killed and three were wounded. The two suspected Palestinian attackers, Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, were killed by Israeli forces. The army described the subsequent incursion as an operation to thwart terrorism, involving coordination with the Shin Bet and Border Police to locate weapons and interrogate suspects.

According to al-Qawasmi, troops arrived around midnight and gave residents one hour to vacate their properties. He noted that the order applied to both adults and children, with no permission for residents to remain in the targeted zones. The evacuation covered the neighborhoods of al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh. Al-Jalada is home to the families of the two alleged perpetrators, who were killed during the initial shootout.

Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident in the affected area, described watching soldiers storm the streets shortly after the Friday attack. His family packed small bags containing medicines, chargers, and important documents, waiting anxiously in their building. He reported that soldiers distributed maps designating specific homes for evacuation and compelled families to leave via a route toward Al-Salam Street. Shahada said some neighbors were beaten during the process, and he observed soldiers ransacking houses with doors and windows left open.

The military did not provide a fixed timeline for the return of all displaced families. While some were told they would be out of their homes for six months to a year, others received only the instruction to stay away until further notice. This uncertainty has compounded the stress on residents who must now manage daily life in temporary arrangements without knowing when they can reclaim their personal belongings.

The displacement coincided with physical changes to the area, including demolitions of residential buildings and commercial shops in Farsh al-Hawa. Local sources indicated that around seven dunums of land were leveled during the operation. Israeli forces also imposed a broad closure on Hebron, blocking main entrances and roads to the city and surrounding villages. At least 13 Palestinians were arrested, while dozens more were detained for field interrogations.

The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan to manage the crisis. The city opened several facilities, including family guesthouses, the Childhood Happiness Centre, and the Korean Centre, to accommodate those without immediate family support. Al-Qawasmi warned that shelter capacity is limited. He stated that if the military operation expands, the municipality may face difficulties finding space for additional families as the number of displaced residents rises.

As of Saturday, the military operation had not concluded. The closure extended beyond the targeted neighborhoods to the main gateways of Hebron, with forces deployed across various parts of the city. The deputy mayor confirmed that the figure of 250 families is not final and that more evacuations are possible as the siege continues.