Hebron Blockade: 2,200 Residents Evicted in Five-Minute Orders

Israeli military authorities forced approximately 2,200 Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank city of Hebron over the course of a single day. The mass eviction followed the deaths of two soldiers in a shooting incident the previous morning. Mayor Yousef Jaabari described the situation on Saturday evening as a total blockade, stating that no one can enter or leave the city.

The initial incident occurred near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of the city. Two suspected Palestinians opened fire on troops, killing two soldiers and wounding three others. In the hours following the shooting, the military expanded its control over the area. This zone encompasses roughly 330 dunams of land and contains more than 490 housing units.

Residents in the neighborhoods of Deir Bahala and al-Jalda, including elderly people, women, and children, were ordered to vacate their properties. Witnesses reported that soldiers gave families only five minutes to gather their belongings and leave. Video footage from social media showed local truck drivers rushing to remove goods and supplies from factories before demolition crews arrived.

The Palestinian Information Center confirmed that at least 40 Palestinians were detained during the operations. Forces also demolished several residential buildings and commercial spaces as part of the crackdown. The municipality responded by declaring a state of emergency and establishing a crisis hotline to assist the displaced families. Jaabari said city officials were coordinating shelter arrangements for those who lost their homes.

The closure extends to the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as an endangered World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs reported that Israeli forces removed the mosque's staff and custodians. Jaabari noted that no prayers are currently being held and that the call to prayer has been banned. Palestinians have administered the site for over 1,400 years.

Recent months have seen increased restrictions on the mosque, including limits on Muslim worshippers and facilities for settler visits. Jaabari questioned the timing of the current measures, suggesting that far-right Israeli ministers are using the situation for political gain ahead of upcoming elections. The mayor characterized the closure of the city's entrances as a form of collective punishment.

The city remains fully sealed as of Saturday evening. Military forces maintain control over all access points, and the demolition of structures in the 330-dunam zone continues. The municipality continues to monitor the needs of the 2,200 displaced residents.