Hebron sealed off as 2,200 residents lose homes

Hebron is sealed.

Israeli forces closed every entrance to the city on Friday after two soldiers were killed at a checkpoint. Mayor Yousef Jaabari said the occupation has locked the city down completely. No one can enter or leave. He described the situation as a disaster zone.

The crackdown follows a shooting near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of the city. Two suspected Palestinians fired on troops early Friday. Two soldiers died and three were wounded. The military response targeted the Deir Bahala and al-Jalda neighborhoods. Forces forced roughly 2,200 Palestinians from their homes in an area covering 330 dunams. The zone includes more than 490 housing units. Residents said soldiers gave families five minutes to pack and go.

Jaabari said the evictions hit elderly people, women, and children hardest. The Palestinian Information Centre reported at least 40 detentions on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished businesses and residential buildings. Videos showed Palestinian truck drivers hauling goods out of factories before the structures came down. The municipality has declared a state of emergency. It is monitoring details to meet the needs of the displaced. A crisis hotline is now active for those seeking help.

The Ibrahimi Mosque has also been shut. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said forces removed staff and custodians. Jaabari stated that no prayers are being held. Israeli forces banned the call to prayer. The site is recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Palestinians have administered the mosque for more than 1,400 years. In recent months, Israel added restrictions that bar Muslim worshippers and limit the call to prayer.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the actions. He said far-right members of the government are using Hebron for election publicity. Ministers are contesting elections in the coming days. The mayor called the measures collective punishment.