Hebron sealed after 2,200 residents forced from homes

Approximately 2,200 residents were forced from their homes in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron after Israeli forces closed all entrances to the urban area, Mayor Yousef Jaabari reported on Saturday evening. The mayor stated that the city is now a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave.

The military action followed a shooting incident at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron early Friday. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops, killing two soldiers and wounding three others. Jaabari described the subsequent blockade and evictions as collective punishment imposed in response to the deadly clash.

Soldiers targeted residents in the Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and nearby neighborhoods. The affected area spans about 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Witnesses said soldiers gave families five minutes to vacate their homes. The displaced group included elderly people, women, and children.

The Palestinian Information Centre said forces detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday evening. Military units also demolished businesses and residential buildings during the crackdown. Videos shared online showed Palestinian truck drivers moving goods and supplies out of factories before the structures were razed.

The municipality has declared a state of emergency to manage the crisis. Jaabari said the city is monitoring the situation and has established a hotline for residents seeking assistance. Officials are currently working to secure shelter for the displaced families.

Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a Unesco-recognized World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs reported that staff and custodians were removed from the site. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are being held and that the call to prayer has been banned.

The mayor questioned the timing of the operations, accusing far-right members of the Israeli government of using the city and the mosque for political gain. He stated that certain ministers are contesting elections in the coming days and are using the residents and their homes for free publicity.