Hebron sealed off as 2,200 residents forced from homes after checkpoint shooting

Residents of Hebron woke to find their city locked down on Saturday. Israeli forces closed every entrance and exit point, cutting off the West Bank municipality from the outside world. Mayor Yousef Jaabari described the situation as a disaster zone where no one can move freely.

The restrictions began after a violent exchange on Friday morning near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of the city. Two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops at the location. The attack killed two soldiers and wounded three others.

Following the shooting, Israeli forces moved to evict approximately 2,200 Palestinians. These residents live in the neighborhoods of Deir Bahala and al-Jalda, an area spanning about 330 dunams with more than 490 housing units. Jaabari noted that the displaced group includes elderly people, women, and children. Witnesses said soldiers gave families only five minutes to pack and leave their homes.

The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 people were detained during the crackdown on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished businesses and residential structures. Footage circulating on social media showed local truck drivers rushing to remove goods from factories before the buildings were taken down. The city municipality has declared a state of emergency and established a crisis hotline to assist the displaced families.

Israeli forces also shut down the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage property. The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated that staff and custodians were removed from the building. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are currently being held and that the call to prayer has been banned.

The mosque has served as a place of worship for over 1,400 years and holds religious importance for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. In recent months, Israel has increased control over the site, including barring some Muslim worshippers and allowing settler incursions. Jaabari questioned the timing of the new measures, suggesting that far-right government members are using the city for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.