Hebron Mayor Jaabari says 490 homes destroyed as 2,200 evicted in five-minute sweep

Hebron has entered a state of emergency, its mayor announced on Saturday evening, after Israeli forces sealed every exit and entrance to the city. Yousef Jaabari stated that the occupation has locked down the occupied West Bank city, leaving residents trapped inside as a new wave of displacement takes hold.

The lockdown followed a deadly shooting incident that occurred early on Friday. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, located west of Hebron. The attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and left three others wounded. In response, the Israeli military launched a sweeping operation that Jaabari described as collective punishment.

Forced out of their homes were approximately 2,200 Palestinians from the Deir Bahala and al-Jalda neighborhoods. The affected area spans roughly 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. The evictions included elderly individuals, women, and children who were given only five minutes to pack and depart by the soldiers.

Videos circulating on social media captured the urgency of the situation, showing Palestinian truck drivers coordinating to remove goods from factories before demolition crews arrived. The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 Palestinians were detained during the Saturday evening crackdown. Forces also demolished several business and residential structures as part of the ongoing operations.

The municipal government has mobilized to find shelter for the displaced families. Jaabari confirmed that a crisis hotline has been established to assist those seeking help. The mayor’s office is now monitoring every detail of the evacuation to meet the immediate needs of the population.

The Ibrahimi Mosque, a site of religious significance for Muslims, Jews, and Christians, has also been closed. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated that Israeli forces removed the mosque’s staff and custodians. No prayers are currently being held, and the call to prayer has been banned. This site, administered by Palestinians for over 1,400 years, has seen increased restrictions in recent months, including bans on certain Muslim worshippers and facilitated settler access.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the measures, accusing far-right members of the Israeli government of using the crisis for political gain. He suggested that the evictions and the closure of the mosque serve as free election publicity for ministers contesting elections in the coming days.