Hebron Mayor Declares Emergency After Forces Evict 2,200 and Seal All Entrances
The cordon follows the fatal shooting of two Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint on Friday, prompting a crackdown that includes detentions and the closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque.
By Marco Kapoor ·
Yousef Jaabari, the mayor of Hebron, declared a state of emergency on Saturday after Israeli forces sealed off every access point to the West Bank city. The municipality’s declaration came in response to the displacement of roughly 2,200 Palestinian residents from their homes. Jaabari described the situation as a disaster zone, noting that no one can currently enter or leave the area.
The military measures followed a shooting incident that occurred early Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint. Two suspected Palestinians fired on troops, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to three others. Jaabari characterized the subsequent eviction and blockade as collective punishment. The affected zones include the neighborhoods of Deir Bahala and al-Jalda, an area spanning 330 dunams with more than 490 housing units.
Residents reported that soldiers gave families only five minutes to vacate their homes. The Palestinian Information Centre stated that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished commercial and residential structures during the crackdown. Social media footage showed truck drivers coordinating efforts to remove goods from factories before the buildings were torn down.
The city’s holy sites are also under new restrictions. Israeli forces removed staff from the Ibrahimi Mosque and closed its doors. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed the removal of custodians. Jaabari stated that prayers have ceased and that forces have banned the call to prayer. The site, which has been administered by Palestinians for over 1,400 years, is designated as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
The municipality has established a crisis hotline to assist those seeking shelter or supplies. Jaabari said officials are monitoring the situation closely to meet the immediate needs of the displaced population. The closure has halted normal commerce and movement, isolating the population within the city limits.
Jaabari also raised questions about the political timing of the operations. He suggested that far-right figures in the Israeli government are leveraging the crisis for electoral gain. He accused specific ministers running for office in the coming days of using the Hebron situation and the Ibrahimi Mosque as a campaign tool.
