Jaabari: Hebron sealed after checkpoint shooting kills two soldiers
Mayor orders emergency as 2,200 residents are evicted from 330 dunams and the Ibrahimi Mosque is shut.
By Priya Marino ·
Approximately 2,200 Palestinians have been forced from their homes in Hebron, Mayor Yousef Jaabari reported on Saturday evening. Israeli forces have closed every entrance to the occupied West Bank city. No residents can currently enter or leave.
Jaabari described the situation as a disaster zone. He labeled the military actions collective punishment. These measures followed a deadly shooting on Friday morning near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint. Two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops in the area. Two soldiers died and three others were wounded.
The evictions target residents in Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and surrounding neighborhoods. The affected zone covers roughly 330 dunams. It contains more than 490 housing units. Jaabari noted that the displaced group includes elderly people, women, and children.
The Palestinian Information Centre stated that Israeli forces detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished businesses and residential buildings. Residents reported that soldiers gave families only five minutes to vacate their homes. Videos on social media show truck drivers hauling supplies out of factories before demolition crews arrived.
The municipality has declared a state of emergency. Jaabari said officials are monitoring details to meet the needs of the displaced. A crisis hotline is now active for residents seeking assistance.
Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque following the Friday shooting. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed that staff and custodians were removed. Jaabari stated that no prayers are being held. Forces have banned the call to prayer at the site.
The mosque is a World Heritage Site recognized by Unesco. Palestinians have administered it for over 1,400 years. Israel has sought wider control of the site in recent months. Restrictions now bar Muslim worshippers and facilitate settler incursions. Jaabari accused far-right government members of using the city for election publicity.
Source: Middle East Eye
