Hebron sealed off after 2,200 residents evicted in five-minute sweep

Israeli forces closed every entrance to Hebron and ordered approximately 2,200 residents to leave their homes, Mayor Yousef Jaabari announced on Saturday evening.

The military operation began early Friday when two suspected Palestinians opened fire at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of the city. Two soldiers died and three were wounded in the attack. The following day, forces expanded the security perimeter and sealed the urban area.

Residents in the Deir Bahala, al-Jalda and neighboring districts received five minutes to pack their belongings before soldiers removed them. The affected zone spans roughly 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Jaabari stated that the displaced population included elderly individuals, women and children.

The Palestinian Information Centre reported that authorities detained at least 40 people on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished commercial properties and homes. Social media footage captured local truck drivers hauling inventory from factories before crews destroyed the structures.

City officials declared a state of emergency to manage the housing crisis. The municipality established a crisis hotline and is coordinating temporary shelter for those displaced. Jaabari described the city as a disaster zone with no entry or exit points available.

Forces also shut down the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage property. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed that staff and custodians were removed. Jaabari said prayers have ceased and the call to prayer is banned. Israel has sought greater control over the site in recent months, including restricting Muslim access and facilitating settler visits.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the crackdown. He said far-right ministers are using Hebron for political gain ahead of elections scheduled in the coming days.