Israeli military displaces 250 Hebron families after checkpoint killings
Residents were ordered out of their homes with one hour's notice following the death of two soldiers near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint.
By Bianca Shevchenko ·
Israeli forces displaced approximately 250 families from their homes in Hebron following a shooting on Friday that left two soldiers dead and three others injured. The military launched the operation near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint, stating it aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and locate weapons. Two suspected Palestinian attackers were killed during the engagement. Deputy Mayor Khaled al-Qawasmi confirmed that the military began the operation around midnight, giving residents only one hour to vacate their residences.
The evacuations affected several neighborhoods, including al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh. Residents reported that soldiers ordered them out at gunpoint, allowing little time to gather belongings. Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident of al-Jalada, said his family packed only medicines, phone chargers, and important documents. He stated that his family did not sleep all night while watching soldiers force neighbors from their homes. One resident described seeing men being beaten by soldiers during the incursion.
Military personnel directed families along specific routes toward Al-Salam Street. Some residents moved in with relatives, while others took shelter at the Child Happiness Centre. The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan to manage the displacement. This included opening family guesthouses, the Childhood Happiness Centre, and the Korean Centre to accommodate those forced to leave. Al-Qawasmi noted that the current figure of 250 families is not final because the military siege remains in effect.
The military told some residents they could return after six months to a year, while others were told to stay out until further notice. During the operation, Israeli forces imposed a broad closure on Hebron and surrounding areas. Local sources reported that at least 13 Palestinians were arrested in the city. Dozens of others were detained for field interrogations. The military also conducted searches in the targeted areas, leaving some homes with doors and windows open. Residents expressed concern about the condition of their properties after seeing neighbors' homes ransacked.
Demolitions targeted residential buildings and commercial facilities in the Farsh al-Hawa area. Local sources indicated that around seven dunums of land were levelled. The military continued to deploy forces across various parts of the city. Al-Qawasmi warned that the limited capacity of open shelters could become a crisis if the operation expands further. The closure extends to the main entrances and gateways of Hebron, restricting movement for residents and visitors alike.
Source: Middle East Eye
