250 families displaced in Hebron after two soldiers killed

250 families have been forced from their homes in the West Bank city of Hebron following a deadly shooting incident on Friday. The displacement affects residents in the neighborhoods of al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh. Khaled al-Qawasmi, the deputy mayor of Hebron, stated that this number is provisional because the military siege remains in effect. He indicated that the total could rise as the operation continues.

The military launched the security sweep after two Israeli soldiers were killed and three others wounded near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint. The army described the action as an operation to thwart terrorism and coordinate with the Shin Bet internal security service and the Border Police. Two suspected Palestinian attackers were killed during the incident. The forces are currently searching for weapons and what they termed terrorist infrastructure while interrogating dozens of suspects.

Residents reported being given minimal time to gather belongings. Abdul Hamid Shahada, a local resident, described soldiers storming the area shortly after the initial attack. He said the military distributed maps marking specific buildings for evacuation. Shahada noted that his family packed small bags with medicines, chargers, and documents while waiting anxiously. He observed that soldiers beat one man during the process and left other homes ransacked with doors and windows open.

The military directed families along a specific route toward Al-Salam Street. Some residents stayed with relatives, while others moved into the Child Happiness Centre and other facilities opened by the municipality. Soldiers told some families they would be out of their homes for six months to a year. Other residents, including Shahada, were told only that they could return until further notice. The lack of a clear timeline has created uncertainty for those displaced.

The eviction coincided with demolitions in the Farsh al-Hawa area, where local sources reported that seven dunums of land were leveled. This included residential buildings, commercial shops, and industrial facilities. The Israeli army imposed a broad closure on Hebron, blocking main entrances and roads. At least 13 Palestinians were arrested in the city, and dozens were detained for field interrogations.

The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan to manage the crisis. This includes preparing shelters and establishing an operations center to monitor resident needs. Qawasmi warned that limited capacity at the opened centers could lead to a shelter crisis if the operation expands. The military operation has not ended, and forces remain deployed across various parts of the city.