2,200 Hebron Residents Evicted After Checkpoint Shooting

Israeli forces sealed every entrance to the West Bank city of Hebron and forced approximately 2,200 residents from their homes following a fatal shooting at a local checkpoint. Mayor Yousef Jaabari described the city as a disaster zone on Saturday evening, noting that no one can enter or leave the area. He characterized the military actions as collective punishment imposed in response to the previous day's violence.

The triggering incident occurred early Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, located west of Hebron. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops stationed at the post. Two soldiers were killed and three others sustained injuries in the exchange.

The evictions primarily affected residents in the Deir Bahala and al-Jalda neighborhoods. The impacted zone covers roughly 330 dunams of land and contains more than 490 housing units. The displaced population includes elderly individuals, women, and children. The Palestinian Information Centre reported that Israeli forces detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday evening. The military also demolished commercial properties and residential structures as part of the crackdown. Residents stated that soldiers gave families five minutes to vacate their homes. Social media videos showed Palestinian truck drivers transporting goods and supplies out of factories before the structures were destroyed.

The Hebron municipality has established a crisis hotline to assist those seeking help. Jaabari said the city administration is monitoring every detail of the displacement process. The local government has declared a state of emergency to secure shelter and resources for the affected families.

Israeli forces also closed the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by UNESCO as an endangered Palestinian World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said military personnel removed the mosque's staff and custodians. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are currently being held inside the building. Israeli forces have banned the call to prayer. The site has served as a place of worship for Muslims for more than 1,400 years. In recent months, Israeli authorities have increased restrictions on the site, including barring Muslim worshippers and facilitating visits by settlers.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the military measures. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using Hebron and its residents as free election publicity for ministers contesting upcoming elections.