250 families displaced in Hebron after checkpoint shooting

Israeli military forces have evacuated approximately 250 Palestinian families from their homes in Hebron following a deadly shooting at the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint. The operation, launched in coordination with the Shin Bet and Border Police, aims to dismantle what the army described as terrorist infrastructure and locate weapons in the area where the attack occurred.

Two soldiers were killed and three wounded in the Friday incident. The military stated that the two suspected attackers, Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, were killed during the engagement. Forces have since conducted searches and interrogated dozens of suspects in the city of Hebron.

Khaled al-Qawasmi, deputy mayor of Hebron, said the military began the operation around midnight on Saturday. Residents in the neighborhoods of al-Jalada, Ein Deir Bahha, Wadi al-Maghariba, and Shi'b al-Milh were given one hour to vacate their homes. Al-Qawasmi noted that the figure of 250 families is not final and may rise as the military siege continues.

Abdul Hamid Shahada, a resident in al-Jalada, described watching soldiers force neighbors out of their homes at gunpoint. He said his family packed small bags with medicines, chargers, and documents but did not sleep all night. Soldiers directed families toward Al-Salam Street, telling them to return only until further notice. Some other families were told they would be kept out for six months to a year.

The displacement has coincided with demolitions in Farsh al-Hawa, where local sources reported that around seven dunums of residential and commercial land were levelled. Israeli forces imposed a broad closure on Hebron and surrounding villages, blocking main entrances and conducting raids. At least 13 Palestinians were arrested, while dozens were detained for field interrogations.

The Hebron Municipality activated an emergency plan to manage the influx of displaced residents. Facilities such as the Childhood Happiness Centre, the Korean Centre, and family guesthouses have been opened to provide shelter. Qawasmi warned that the limited capacity of these centers could lead to a crisis if the military operation expands further.

The military operation remains active, with forces deployed across various parts of the city. The closure extends beyond the targeted neighborhoods to the main gateways of Hebron, restricting movement for residents and visitors alike.