West Bank Siege: Hebron Mayor Declares Emergency After 2,200 Evicted

The West Bank city of Hebron remains under a total blockade as of Saturday, with local officials reporting that residents are trapped inside while military operations continue. Mayor Yousef Jaabari confirmed on Saturday evening that Israeli forces have sealed every entrance to the city, preventing any person from entering or leaving.

Jaabari described the situation as a disaster zone imposed as collective punishment after a shooting incident on Friday. Two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, located west of the city. The attack left two soldiers dead and three others wounded. In response, the military forced approximately 2,200 Palestinians out of their homes in the Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and surrounding neighborhoods.

The affected area spans roughly 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units. The displaced population includes elderly residents, women, and children. The Palestinian Information Centre reported that at least 40 Palestinians were detained on Saturday evening. During the same period, forces demolished several businesses and residential buildings.

Residents stated that soldiers gave families five minutes to vacate their properties. Social media videos showed Palestinian truck drivers moving goods out of factories just before demolition crews arrived. The municipal government has declared a state of emergency to manage the crisis and has established a hotline for those seeking assistance. Jaabari said the city is currently monitoring every detail of the displacement process.

The Israeli forces also closed the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognized by Unesco as an endangered World Heritage Site. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs noted that staff and custodians were removed from the location. Jaabari reported that no prayers are currently being held and that the call to prayer has been banned. Palestinians have administered the mosque for over 1,400 years, though recent months have seen increased restrictions on Muslim worshippers and more frequent settler visits.

Jaabari questioned the timing of the military actions, suggesting they coincide with upcoming elections. He accused far-right Israeli ministers of using the city and its religious sites for political advantage. The mayor stated that the government is using the residents and their homes as free election publicity for ministers contesting the vote in the coming days.