Hebron residents given five minutes to leave as city entrances close

Residents of the occupied West Bank city of Hebron faced immediate displacement on Saturday, with soldiers instructing families to vacate their homes within five minutes. Mayor Yousef Jaabari stated that Israeli forces have sealed every entrance to the city, preventing all movement in and out. This total blockade followed a fatal incident at a checkpoint that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and the wounding of three others.

The conflict began early Friday morning near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, located west of Hebron. According to the account of the incident, two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops stationed there. The engagement killed two soldiers and injured three more. In response, Israeli forces initiated a crackdown that has expanded to affect approximately 2,200 residents in the neighborhoods of Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and surrounding areas.

The affected zone covers roughly 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. Forces also demolished several businesses and residential structures during the operation. Videos circulated on social media show local truck drivers coordinating efforts to transport goods and supplies out of factories before they were destroyed.

Jaabari described the current situation as a disaster zone and characterized the measures as collective punishment. He noted that the displaced population includes elderly individuals, women, and children. The Hebron municipality has declared a state of emergency to address the needs of these residents. Officials have established a crisis hotline to assist those seeking shelter and aid during the ongoing evictions.

The crackdown has also extended to the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as an endangered Palestinian World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs stated that Israeli forces shut the mosque and removed its staff and custodians following Friday's shooting. Jaabari confirmed that no prayers are currently being held and that forces have banned the call to prayer. Palestinians have administered the mosque for more than 1,400 years, though Israel has recently increased restrictions, including barring some Muslim worshippers.

The mayor questioned the timing of the intensified measures. He accused far-right members of the Israeli government of utilizing Hebron and the Ibrahimi Mosque for political advantage. Jaabari stated that certain ministers are using the residents and their homes as free election publicity while contesting elections in the coming days.