Hebron Mayor Calls State of Emergency as 2,200 Residents Evicted After Checkpoint Shooting

Yousef Jaabari, the mayor of Hebron, declared a state of emergency on Saturday evening after Israeli forces sealed every exit and entrance to the West Bank city. The military closure followed a shooting incident at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint the previous day that left two soldiers dead and three wounded. Jaabari described the current situation as a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave. He characterized the measures as collective punishment imposed after the attack by two suspected Palestinians.

The eviction order affected approximately 2,200 residents in the neighborhoods of Deir Bahala and al-Jalda. The affected area covers 330 dunams and includes more than 490 housing units. The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Soldiers also demolished businesses and residential buildings during the crackdown.

Residents stated that soldiers gave families five minutes to leave their homes. Social media videos showed Palestinian truck drivers coordinating to transport goods out of factories before the structures were demolished. The displaced population includes elderly people, women, and children. The municipality has established a crisis hotline to assist those seeking shelter and aid.

Jaabari said the local government is monitoring every detail to meet the needs of the displaced. He noted that the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, has also been shut down. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed that forces removed the mosque's staff and custodians. No prayers are currently being held at the site, and the call to prayer has been banned.

The Ibrahimi Mosque is among the holiest sites in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Palestinians have administered the site for more than 1,400 years. In recent months, Israeli authorities have added restrictions to the location, including barring Muslim worshippers and facilitating settler incursions. The mayor questioned the timing of the current actions, linking them to upcoming elections.

Jaabari accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using the crisis for political gain. He stated that certain ministers contesting elections in the coming days are using Hebron and its residents as free election publicity. The mayor said the municipality continues to provide support to the displaced residents while the city remains under full siege.