Jaabari declares emergency as 2,200 Hebron residents evicted

Approximately 2,200 Palestinians were forced from their homes in the West Bank city of Hebron after Israeli forces closed every entrance to the urban area on Saturday. Mayor Yousef Jaabari stated that the occupation has rendered the city a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave.

The displacement follows a shooting incident at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron early on Friday. Two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops, killing two soldiers and wounding three others. Jaabari described the subsequent military measures as collective punishment for the deadly engagement.

The evictions targeted residents in the Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and neighboring districts. The affected zone spans roughly 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. Among those displaced were elderly individuals, women, and children. Soldiers reportedly gave families only five minutes to vacate their properties.

The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished commercial and residential buildings during the crackdown. Social media videos captured truck drivers coordinating to remove goods from factories before the structures were razed.

The municipality has declared a state of emergency to address the needs of the displaced population. Jaabari said officials are monitoring the situation closely and have established a crisis hotline for residents seeking assistance with shelter and other needs.

Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by UNESCO as an endangered World Heritage property. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said staff and custodians were removed from the building. Jaabari noted that no prayers are being held and that the call to prayer is currently banned.

The mayor questioned the timing of the military actions. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using the city and the mosque as free election publicity for ministers contesting elections in the coming days.