Jaabari: Hebron is a disaster zone after Israeli forces evict 2,200 residents

Roughly 2,200 Palestinians were forced from their homes in Hebron on Saturday evening, according to Mayor Yousef Jaabari.

Jaabari told Middle East Eye that Israeli forces have closed every entrance to the occupied West Bank city. He described the situation as a disaster zone where no one can enter or leave. The mayor characterized the actions as collective punishment taken after a deadly shooting incident the previous day.

The conflict began early Friday when two suspected Palestinians fired on Israeli troops near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron. Two soldiers died in the attack, and three others sustained injuries.

The evictions primarily affected residents of Deir Bahala, al-Jalda, and surrounding neighborhoods. The displaced group includes elderly individuals, women, and children. The affected area spans approximately 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units.

The Palestinian Information Centre reported that forces detained at least 40 Palestinians on Saturday. They also demolished businesses and residential structures during the crackdown. Residents stated that soldiers gave families only five minutes to vacate their properties. Social media videos captured Palestinian truck drivers removing goods from factories before demolition crews arrived.

Jaabari said the municipality declared a state of emergency to coordinate aid. The city has established a crisis hotline to assist those seeking shelter. "We are now monitoring every detail and have declared a state of emergency to meet their needs," the mayor said.

Israeli forces also closed the Ibrahimi Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and removed its staff. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs confirmed the closure. Jaabari noted that no prayers are currently being held and that forces have banned the call to prayer. The mayor accused far-right government members of using the city for election publicity in the days before voting.