One Hour to Leave: 250 Hebron Families Forced From Homes

Deputy mayor Khaled al-Qawasmi stated that Israeli troops gave residents one hour to vacate their homes before forcing them out. This deadline was imposed after a shooting on Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron killed two soldiers and wounded three others. The military described the subsequent action as an operation to thwart terrorism, conducted in coordination with the Shin Bet and Border Police.

The forced displacement affected neighborhoods including al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh. Al-Qawasmi reported that approximately 250 families have been evicted so far, noting the figure is not final due to the ongoing siege. He confirmed that the eviction order included both adults and children, and that residents were not permitted to remain in the area during the initial wave.

Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident of al-Jalada, described the military incursion that began shortly after the Friday attack. He said a large number of soldiers accompanied by several military vehicles took up positions near the homes of Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, the two suspected perpetrators who were killed by Israeli forces. The military distributed a map designating specific homes and adjacent buildings for evacuation.

Shahada and his family watched from their windows as troops compelled neighbors to leave. He recalled seeing soldiers beat one of the men during the process. The family packed small bags containing medicines, mobile phone chargers, and important documents without sleeping all night. Soldiers directed displaced families along a specific route toward Al-Salam Street, where some stayed with relatives and others sought shelter at the Child Happiness Centre.

The military told some families they would be kept out of their homes for six months to a year, while others were told to wait until further notice. Shahada expressed concern about the fate of his home after seeing neighbors' houses left with doors and windows wide open. He noted that soldiers ransacked and vandalized the properties during the searches. The army said it was conducting searches to locate and dismantle terrorist infrastructure and weapons while interrogating dozens of suspects.

The operation coincided with demolitions targeting residential buildings, commercial shops, and industrial facilities in Farsh al-Hawa. Local sources reported that around seven dunums of land were levelled. Israeli forces imposed a broad closure on Hebron and surrounding villages, blocking main entrances and roads. At least 13 Palestinians were arrested in the city, while dozens were detained for several hours for field interrogations.

The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan in response to the operation. This includes preparing shelters for displaced families and establishing an operations centre to monitor residents' needs. The municipality opened facilities including family guesthouses, the Childhood Happiness Centre, and the Korean Centre to accommodate those affected. Qawasmi warned that a shelter crisis could occur if the military operation expands, given the limited capacity of the centers already in use.

The military operation has not ended, and the closure extends to the entrances and gateways of Hebron. Israeli forces continue to be deployed across various parts of the city. The municipality is monitoring the situation with concerns that the scope of evacuations may expand and the number of families requiring shelter could rise further as the siege continues.