2,200 Hebron Residents Evicted After Checkpoint Killings

Islamic and Palestinian residents of Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and surrounding neighborhoods lost their homes Saturday evening when Israeli forces evicted approximately 2,200 people. The military operation covered an area of 330 dunams and included the removal of more than 490 housing units. The action followed a deadly incident at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint the previous day.

According to Mayor Yousef Jaabari, the occupation forces closed every entrance to Hebron, effectively sealing the city. He stated that no one could enter or leave the area. Jaabari characterized the measures as collective punishment. He noted that the displaced population included elderly individuals, women, and children. The municipality has declared a state of emergency and established a crisis hotline to assist those seeking shelter.

Residents reported that soldiers granted families only five minutes to pack and depart. The Palestinian Information Centre indicated that at least 40 Palestinians were detained during the operation. Forces also demolished commercial and residential buildings. Social media footage captured local truck drivers assisting in the removal of goods from factories prior to their destruction.

The closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque marks a further escalation. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed that Israeli forces removed the site's staff and custodians. Jaabari said prayers have ceased and the call to prayer has been banned. The site, recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, has been administered by Palestinians for over 1,400 years.

Israeli troops killed two soldiers and wounded three others in a shooting attack on Friday. The incident involved two suspected Palestinian gunmen at a checkpoint west of the city. In recent months, restrictions at the mosque have tightened, including bans on Muslim worshippers and increased settler presence. Jaabari questioned the timing of the current crackdown, suggesting far-right ministers are using the city for election publicity ahead of upcoming polls.

The municipality is currently coordinating to find shelter for the displaced families. The crisis hotline remains active for residents. The city remains sealed off from the rest of the West Bank.