2,200 Hebron Residents Evicted as City Sealed

Israeli forces have sealed Hebron and displaced approximately 2,200 residents. Mayor Yousef Jaabari declared a state of emergency on Saturday evening after troops closed every entrance to the city. The municipality is now providing shelter for the displaced population.

The crackdown followed a shooting incident early on Friday. Two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron. Two soldiers were killed and three others were wounded in the exchange.

Forces targeted the Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and nearby neighborhoods for the evictions. The affected area spans roughly 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Residents reported that soldiers gave families five minutes to leave their homes. Among the displaced were elderly people, women, and children.

The Palestinian Information Centre reported that Israeli forces detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday evening. Troops also demolished businesses and residential buildings during the operation. Videos shared on social media showed Palestinian truck drivers hauling goods out of factories before demolition crews arrived.

Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated that troops removed the site's staff and custodians. No prayers are being held inside the mosque, and forces have banned the call to prayer.

The municipality set up a crisis hotline for residents seeking assistance. Jaabari accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using the situation for political gain. He said certain ministers were using Hebron and its residents as free election publicity for contests scheduled in the coming days.

The city remains under full blockade as of Saturday evening. No one can enter or leave the area. The emergency shelter operation is ongoing under the direct supervision of the municipal crisis team.