250 Hebron Families Evicted at Gunpoint After Fatal Checkpoint Shooting

Residents of four neighborhoods in Hebron were ordered to leave their homes within one hour on Saturday morning. The Israeli military launched the evacuation following a shooting near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint on Friday that killed two soldiers and wounded three others. Khaled al-Qawasmi, deputy mayor of Hebron, stated that approximately 250 families have been displaced so far, noting the figure is not final because the military siege is ongoing.

The operation targeted the areas of al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh. Al-Jalada is home to the families of Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, the two suspected attackers who were killed by Israeli forces. The military described the action as an operation to thwart terrorism, coordinated with the Shin Bet and Border Police. Soldiers conducted searches for weapons and infrastructure while interrogating dozens of suspects. Residents reported being forced out at gunpoint with little time to gather belongings.

Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident of al-Jalada, said his family packed only medicines, phone chargers, and important documents. They watched from their windows as soldiers beat one man and ransacked nearby houses. The military directed families along a specific route to Al-Salam Street. From there, residents moved to relatives' homes or municipal shelters. Soldiers told Shahada his family could return only until further notice, while informing other families they would be kept out for six months to a year.

The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan to manage the displacement. Khaled al-Qawasmi said the city opened the Child Happiness Centre, the Korean Centre, and family guesthouses to accommodate displaced residents. He warned that shelter capacity is limited. If the military operation expands, the municipality could face a crisis in finding space for additional families. The military has not ended the operation, and a broad closure remains in place across the city and surrounding villages.

At least 13 Palestinians were arrested in Hebron, and dozens were detained for field interrogations. Local sources reported that approximately seven dunums of land in Farsh al-Hawa were leveled. The demolitions targeted residential buildings, commercial shops, and industrial facilities. Israeli forces continue to deploy across various parts of the city, blocking main entrances and roads. The deputy mayor said the closure extends beyond the targeted evacuation zones to the gateways of Hebron.