Hebron Mayor: 2,200 Residents Evicted as City Sealed

Israeli forces have sealed Hebron, closing every entrance to the occupied West Bank city and preventing residents from entering or leaving, Mayor Yousef Jaabari reported on Saturday evening. Jaabari described the city as a disaster zone and characterized the military response as collective punishment.

The restrictions followed a shooting incident on Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops at the site. The attack killed two soldiers and wounded three others.

In the hours following the shooting, Israeli forces moved into the Deir Bahala and al-Jalda neighborhoods. These areas cover approximately 330 dunams and contain more than 490 housing units. Residents of these districts, including elderly people, women, and children, were forced from their homes.

Witnesses stated that soldiers gave families a five-minute window to vacate their properties. At least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening during the crackdown. The Palestinian Information Centre reported that forces demolished businesses and residential structures. Social media videos showed Palestinian truck drivers hauling goods from factories before the buildings were razed.

The municipal government has declared a state of emergency to manage the displacement. Jaabari said the city is monitoring the situation closely and has established a crisis hotline for those affected. The municipality is currently working to secure shelter for the displaced population.

Israeli forces also closed the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site managed by Palestinians for more than 1,400 years. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed that staff and custodians were removed from the building. Jaabari noted that no prayers are currently being held and that the call to prayer has been banned by military orders.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the military actions, suggesting that far-right members of the Israeli government are using the city for political advantage. He accused certain ministers of treating Hebron and its residents as free election publicity while they contest upcoming votes.