Hebron Sealed After Checkpoint Fatalities
Mayor declares emergency as 2,200 residents are evicted and the Ibrahimi Mosque is closed following the death of two soldiers.
By Elijah Fitzgerald ·
Israeli military forces have closed every access point to Hebron and displaced approximately 2,200 Palestinian residents, according to Mayor Yousef Jaabari. Speaking on Saturday evening, Jaabari described the city as a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave. He characterized the sudden isolation as a form of collective punishment triggered by a deadly shooting incident the previous day.
The confrontation occurred early on Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, located in the northern section of the city. Two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops at the site. The attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and left three others wounded. In response, forces moved to secure the area and restrict movement within the city.
The evictions primarily targeted residents of the Deir Bahala and al-Jalda neighborhoods. The affected zone spans roughly 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Jaabari noted that the displaced population includes elderly individuals, women, and children. Residents reported that soldiers gave families only five minutes to vacate their homes before being removed.
The Palestinian Information Centre stated that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished commercial and residential structures during the operation. Social media videos captured Palestinian truck drivers coordinating to remove supplies from factories before the buildings were razed. The municipality has established a crisis hotline to assist those seeking shelter and aid.
Israeli authorities also shut down the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as a Palestinian World Heritage location. The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed that staff and custodians were removed from the premises. Jaabari stated that prayers are currently suspended and that the call to prayer has been banned. The mosque, which has been administered by Palestinians for over 1,400 years, has faced increased restrictions in recent months, including limits on Muslim worshippers and facilitation of settler visits.
Jaabari questioned the timing of the military measures. He alleged that far-right members of the Israeli government are using the situation for political advantage. "We are using Hebron and its Ibrahimi Mosque, its residents and their homes, as free election publicity for certain ministers contesting elections in the coming days," he said, pointing to upcoming local contests as a potential motive for the intensified crackdown.
