2,200 Hebron Residents Evicted in Five-Minute Sweep

Israeli forces closed every entrance to the occupied West Bank city of Hebron on Saturday, leaving the city sealed off and displacing roughly 2,200 residents. Mayor Yousef Jaabari told Middle East Eye that the occupation has turned the city into a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave. He characterized the sweeping measures as collective punishment imposed in response to a violent incident the day before.

The trigger for the crackdown was a shooting at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron early on Friday. Two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops, killing two soldiers and wounding three others. In the hours and days that followed, forces expanded their control over the city, specifically targeting the neighborhoods of Deir Bahala and al-Jalda.

The evictions affect an area of about 330 dunams that contains more than 490 housing units. The displaced population includes elderly people, women, and children. Residents reported that soldiers gave families only five minutes to vacate their homes. Videos circulating on social media show Palestinian truck drivers working in coordination to load goods and supplies from factories before demolition crews arrived to tear down the structures.

The Palestinian Information Centre reported that forces detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday evening. Detentions and demolitions of businesses and residential buildings continued as part of the ongoing crackdown. Jaabari said the municipality has declared a state of emergency to address the immediate needs of those displaced. The city government set up a crisis hotline to assist residents seeking shelter and aid.

Beyond the residential evictions, Israeli forces shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as an endangered World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated that forces removed the mosque's staff and custodians. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are currently being held and that forces have banned the call to prayer. The site, administered by Palestinians for more than 1,400 years, has seen increased restrictions in recent months, including bars on Muslim worshippers and facilitation of settler incursions.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the military actions, noting that they coincide with upcoming elections. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using Hebron and its residents as political tools for ministers contesting elections in the coming days.