Hebron mayor declares emergency after soldiers kill two and seal off city
Israeli forces have evacuated 2,200 residents from 490 housing units following a fatal checkpoint shooting that closed all city entrances.
By Hiroshi Ferrari ·
Mayor Yousef Jaabari declared a state of emergency in Hebron on Saturday evening after Israeli forces sealed every entrance to the West Bank city. The municipality has evacuated approximately 2,200 Palestinians from their homes. Jaabari described the city as a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave. He characterized the military measures as collective punishment imposed after a deadly incident the previous day.
The conflict escalated early Friday morning near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of the city. Two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops stationed at the site. The attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and wounded three others. In response, ground forces moved to secure the area and restrict movement in the northern parts of Hebron.
The evictions targeted residents of Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and neighboring districts. The affected zone spans roughly 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Jaabari noted that the displaced group includes elderly people, women, and children. The Palestinian Information Centre reported that soldiers detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished businesses and residential buildings as part of the crackdown. Residents said soldiers gave families only five minutes to pack and leave their properties.
Videos circulating on social media captured local truck drivers collaborating to move goods out of factories before demolition crews arrived. The municipality set up a crisis hotline to assist people seeking shelter. Jaabari stated that local officials are monitoring every detail of the displacement to meet the needs of those affected.
Israeli forces also closed the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as an endangered World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs reported that troops removed the mosque's staff and custodians. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are being held and that the call to prayer has been banned. The site has been administered by Palestinians for more than 1,400 years and serves as a holy location for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
Recent months have seen Israel tighten control over the mosque. Restrictions now include barring Muslim worshippers and facilitating settler incursions. Jaabari questioned the timing of the current measures. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using Hebron and the mosque for election publicity. Several ministers are contesting elections in the coming days.
The city remains under a full seal as of Saturday evening. The municipality continues to manage the shelter situation for the 2,200 displaced residents. No new announcements regarding the reopening of city entrances have been made since the mayor's declaration of emergency.
