Hebron sealed after checkpoint kills two soldiers

Two soldiers died and three were wounded when suspected Palestinians opened fire at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint early Friday morning. In response, Israeli forces closed every entrance to Hebron and expelled approximately 2,200 residents from their homes by Saturday evening. Mayor Yousef Jaabari described the city as a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave.

The evictions targeted the Deir Bahala and al-Jalda neighborhoods, covering about 330 dunams and more than 490 housing units. Jaabari said the displaced group included elderly people, women, and children. The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished businesses and residential buildings during the crackdown.

Residents told Middle East Eye that soldiers gave families five minutes to vacate their properties. Videos circulated on social media showed Palestinian truck drivers moving goods and supplies out of factories before demolition crews arrived. The municipality has declared a state of emergency and established a crisis hotline to assist those seeking shelter.

Israeli forces also shut the Ibrahimi Mosque, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated that staff and custodians were removed from the site. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are being held and that the call to prayer has been banned. The mosque has been administered by Palestinians for more than 1,400 years and serves as a holy site for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

In recent months, Israel has increased restrictions on the site, including barring Muslim worshippers and facilitating settler incursions. Jaabari questioned the timing of the current measures. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of using the crisis for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.

The mayor stated that his team is monitoring every detail to meet the needs of the displaced population. He characterized the current actions as collective punishment imposed following Friday's deadly shooting. The municipality continues to coordinate logistics for those who have lost their homes in the northern part of the city.