Hebron Evicts 250 Families

Israeli military forces ordered roughly 250 families in Hebron to vacate their homes on Saturday morning, following a violent clash the previous day that left two soldiers dead. The operation, described by the army as a move to thwart terrorism, resulted in the immediate displacement of residents from four distinct neighborhoods. Deputy Mayor Khaled al-Qawasmi stated that the military began the eviction process around midnight, giving residents only one hour to gather their belongings and leave.

The displacement occurred in the areas of al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh. These neighborhoods contain the homes of Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, the two Palestinians killed by military fire after shooting at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint on Friday. The army confirmed that three other soldiers were wounded in the attack. Following the incident, troops and Shin Bet agents launched a coordinated search for weapons and what they termed terrorist infrastructure. The military reported interrogating dozens of suspects during the ongoing operation.

Resident Abdul Hamid Shahada described the scene from his window, noting that soldiers took positions near the Joba family homes and distributed maps designating which buildings must be cleared. He said his family packed small bags containing medicines, chargers, and documents, staying awake all night in anxiety. Soldiers directed families along a specific route toward Al-Salam Street. Some residents stayed with relatives, while others moved into the Child Happiness Centre, which the municipality opened to provide temporary shelter.

The military did not provide a clear timeline for the families' return. Some residents were told they would be out of their homes for six months to a year, while others were given the vague instruction to stay out until further notice. Shahada noted that soldiers left the doors and windows of neighboring homes wide open, allowing them to be ransacked and vandalized. He expressed concern for the fate of his own home while watching the events unfold. The Hebron Municipality has activated an emergency plan to manage the influx of displaced residents.

The eviction coincided with broader military actions in the city. Israeli forces imposed a closure on Hebron and its surrounding villages, blocking main entrances and roads. They conducted raids and arrests, detaining at least 13 Palestinians and holding dozens more for field interrogations. Local sources reported that approximately seven dunums of land were leveled, affecting residential buildings, commercial shops, and industrial facilities in Farsh al-Hawa. The military continues to deploy forces across various parts of the city.

Deputy Mayor Qawasmi warned that the current figure of 250 families is not final. He noted that the military siege remains in place, creating a possibility for further evacuations. The municipality has opened several facilities to accommodate the displaced, including family guesthouses and the Korean Centre. Qawasmi cautioned that if the operation expands, the limited capacity of these centers could lead to a shelter crisis. The military has stated that residents may leave through designated exits but did not specify when the operation would conclude.

The two suspected attackers, Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, were killed in the initial shootout at the checkpoint. The Israeli military said the operation is focused on the area from which the alleged attackers operated. Residents in the targeted neighborhoods reported being ordered from their homes at gunpoint. The lack of clear information regarding return dates has left many families in limbo as they settle into temporary accommodations. The Hebron Municipality is monitoring the situation through an operations center established to track resident needs.