Hebron military operation displaces 250 families after checkpoint killings

Israeli forces launched a security operation in Hebron on Saturday morning following a shooting near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint that killed two soldiers and wounded three others. The military described the action as a measure to thwart terrorism, coordinating with the Shin Bet and Border Police to search for weapons and dismantle infrastructure linked to the attack. Two suspected Palestinian attackers, identified as Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, were killed by military fire during the initial engagement.

Deputy Mayor Khaled al-Qawasmi stated that the operation began around midnight, with soldiers giving residents a one-hour deadline to vacate their homes. He reported that approximately 250 families have been displaced so far, noting that the number is not final as the military siege continues. The evacuations affected the neighborhoods of al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh, areas where the Joba family members resided.

Residents reported being forced from their homes at gunpoint with minimal time to gather belongings. Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident of al-Jalada, described watching soldiers beat one man while compelling families to leave. His family packed only essentials, including medicines and documents, and waited in their building for the order to move. Soldiers directed families along a specific route toward Al-Salam Street, instructing them to stay there until further notice, though some were told they would be out for six months to a year.

The displacement coincided with demolitions in Farsh al-Hawa, where local sources said around seven dunums of land were leveled. Israeli forces imposed a broad closure on Hebron and surrounding villages, blocking main entrances and roads. At least 13 Palestinians were arrested, and dozens were detained for field interrogations. The military continued to deploy forces across various parts of the city, maintaining a tight perimeter around the targeted area.

The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan to manage the influx of displaced residents. This included opening the Child Happiness Centre, family guesthouses, and the Korean Centre to provide shelter. Al-Qawasmi warned that the limited capacity of these facilities could lead to a crisis if the operation expands. He noted that the closure extends beyond the specific neighborhoods to all gateways of Hebron, with soldiers remaining deployed in multiple locations.

Residents expressed concern about the condition of their homes, noting that neighbors returned to find doors and windows open and interiors ransacked. The military stated that residents could leave through designated exits but provided no clear timeline for their return. The operation remains active, with the military continuing to search for additional suspects and equipment in the area where the shooters operated.

The incident marks a sharp escalation in military activity in Hebron since the checkpoint shooting on Friday. The city administration is monitoring the situation closely, preparing for potential increases in the number of families requiring shelter. The military has not announced an end to the operation or the lifting of the closure on the city's entrances.