Hebron Sealed: Mayor Declares Emergency After Checkpoint Deaths
Israeli forces evicted roughly 2,200 residents and shut the Ibrahimi Mosque following the killing of two soldiers at a checkpoint.
By Aiko Soto ·
The West Bank city of Hebron has entered a state of emergency after Israeli military operations sealed the city and displaced thousands of residents. Mayor Yousef Jaabari told Middle East Eye on Saturday evening that the occupation had closed all entrances, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the area.
The military action began after two soldiers were killed and three others wounded at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of the city. Suspected Palestinians fired on the troops early Friday morning. In response, Israeli forces moved to evict approximately 2,200 Palestinians from their homes in Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and nearby neighborhoods.
The affected zone spans about 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Jaabari noted that the evictions impacted elderly people, women, and children. Residents reported that soldiers gave families only five minutes to vacate their homes. Videos circulating on social media showed Palestinian truck drivers rushing to remove goods from factories before Israeli forces demolished the structures.
The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished businesses and residential buildings as part of the crackdown. The municipality has set up a crisis hotline to assist those displaced during the operations.
Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as an endangered World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said troops removed staff and custodians from the building. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are currently being held and that Israeli forces have banned the call to prayer.
The mayor described the measures as collective punishment. He stated that the municipality is monitoring every detail to meet the needs of the displaced residents. Jaabari also questioned the timing of the operations, accusing far-right members of the Israeli government of using Hebron and its residents as free election publicity for ministers contesting upcoming elections.
