Hebron Evictions Cost Residents 2,200 Homes

Roughly 2,200 residents were forced from their homes in the West Bank city of Hebron on Saturday.

Mayor Yousef Jaabari told Middle East Eye that Israeli forces closed every entrance to the city. He described the situation as a disaster zone and characterized the measures as collective punishment.

The closure followed a shooting incident early on Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops. Two soldiers were killed and three others were wounded in the attack.

The evictions targeted residents in Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and nearby neighborhoods. The affected area spans about 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Jaabari noted that the displaced population includes elderly people, women, and children.

The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished businesses and residential buildings. Residents stated that soldiers gave families five minutes to leave their properties. Social media videos showed truck drivers moving supplies from factories before demolition.

Jaabari said the municipality has declared a state of emergency to manage the crisis. The city has set up a hotline for those seeking assistance. He also noted that forces shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed that staff were removed and the call to prayer was banned.

The mayor questioned the timing of the crackdown. He accused far-right government members of using the site for election publicity ahead of upcoming votes.