Hebron forces evict 250 families in one-hour deadline

A deadly shooting at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron triggered a military operation that has displaced hundreds of Palestinian families. The incident on Friday resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and three others wounded. Two suspected Palestinian attackers were killed by Israeli forces in the exchange. The military launched the operation in coordination with the Shin Bet and the Border Police.

The Israeli army described the action as an effort to thwart terrorism. Soldiers searched for weapons and what the military termed terrorist infrastructure. Forces interrogated dozens of suspects in the area where the attackers operated. Residents were allowed to leave through designated exits.

Khaled al-Qawasmi, deputy mayor of Hebron, stated that the operation began around midnight. Military personnel gave residents one hour to vacate their homes. He reported that approximately 250 families have been forced to leave so far. Al-Qawasmi noted that the figure is not final as the military siege continues.

Families were evicted from the neighborhoods of al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh. The al-Jalada neighborhood contains the homes of the two alleged perpetrators, Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba. Soldiers directed displaced families along a specific route toward Al-Salam Street.

Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident, said the military stormed the area shortly after the Friday attack. Soldiers took positions near the homes of the Joba family. The military distributed a map designating which homes and adjacent buildings required evacuation. Shahada and his family watched from their windows as troops forced neighbors out.

"We stayed in our building, waiting anxiously, and packed small bags with essentials: medicines, mobile phone chargers, and important documents. We didn't sleep all night," Shahada said. He added that soldiers beat one of the men during the incursion.

Soldiers told Shahada and his family they could return "until further notice." Other families were informed they would be kept out of their homes for six months to a year. Many neighbors found their houses with doors and windows wide open after soldiers ransacked and vandalized the interiors.

The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan in response to the displacement. The plan includes preparing shelters and establishing an operations center to monitor resident needs. Al-Qawasmi warned that limited capacity could cause a crisis if the operation expands. The municipality opened the Child Happiness Centre, family guesthouses, and the Korean Centre to accommodate evacuees.

The operation coincided with demolitions in Farsh al-Hawa. Local sources reported that around seven dunums of land were levelled, targeting residential buildings, commercial shops, and industrial facilities. Israeli forces imposed a broad closure on Hebron and its surrounding villages, towns, and refugee camps.

At least 13 Palestinians were arrested in the city, while dozens were detained for hours for field interrogations. The closure extends to the main entrances and gateways of Hebron. Israeli forces remain deployed across various parts of the city as the operation continues.