Hebron families get five minutes to leave as city seals off and homes are torn down
Israeli forces sealed all city entrances and detained 40 residents following a shooting that killed two soldiers.
By Sakura Novak ·
Roughly 2,200 Palestinians were forced from their homes in the West Bank city of Hebron after Israeli forces closed every entrance to the area. Mayor Yousef Jaabari declared a state of emergency on Saturday evening to manage the displacement.
The military response followed a deadly incident on Friday morning near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of the city. Two suspected Palestinians opened fire on troops, killing two soldiers and wounding three others. Jaabari described the subsequent closure of all city gates as a form of collective punishment.
The evictions targeted residents of Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and surrounding neighborhoods. The affected area spans approximately 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Jaabari noted that the displaced population includes elderly individuals, women, and children.
The Palestinian Information Centre reported that forces detained at least 40 people on Saturday evening. During the crackdown, soldiers demolished commercial properties and residential structures. Residents stated that military personnel gave families only five minutes to vacate their homes. Truck drivers were filmed moving goods from factories before the buildings were torn down.
The Israeli Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs announced that the Ibrahimi Mosque was shut down after the shooting. The ministry reported that staff and custodians were removed from the site. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are currently being held and that the call to prayer has been banned.
The Ibrahimi Mosque is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a holy location for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Palestinians have administered the site for more than 1,400 years. In recent months, authorities have added restrictions that bar some Muslim worshippers and facilitate visits by Israeli settlers.
Jaabari questioned the timing of the measures, suggesting they align with upcoming elections. He accused far-right government members of using the city and the mosque as free publicity for ministers seeking votes. The municipality has established a crisis hotline to assist those seeking shelter and aid.
