Hebron Deputy Mayor Says Israeli Troops Evicted 250 Families in One Hour

Israeli forces moved into Hebron after a shooting on Friday near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint killed two soldiers and wounded three others. The military said it was working with the Shin Bet and Border Police on an operation in the city. The army said it was searching for weapons and what it called terrorist infrastructure.

Khaled al-Qawasmi, deputy mayor of Hebron, said troops started the operation around midnight and gave residents one hour to leave. He said about 250 families have left the area so far and that the number could rise. Families were moved out with adults and children, he said, and residents were not allowed to stay in the area.

Residents described leaving at gunpoint with little time to collect belongings. Abdul Hamid Shahada, who lives in the al-Jalada neighborhood, said soldiers entered the area shortly after Friday's attack and posted up near the Joba family homes. The military distributed a map marking homes and nearby buildings for evacuation, he said. Shahada said his family packed medicines, phone chargers, and documents, and did not sleep that night. He said he watched soldiers force families out and beat one man.

The families who left went to Al-Salam Street, and from there some stayed with relatives while others went to the Child Happiness Centre, which the municipality opened for them. The municipality also prepared family guesthouses, the Korean Centre, and other facilities. Hebron announced an emergency plan and set up an operations center to track what residents need. Shahada said soldiers told his family they could not return until further notice. Some other families were told they would be out of their homes for six months to a year.

The operation has also brought demolitions in Farsh al-Hawa, west of Hebron, hitting homes, shops, and industrial sites. Local sources said about seven dunums of land were leveled. Israeli forces closed main entrances and roads around Hebron and its surrounding villages, towns, and refugee camps. The army said two suspected attackers were killed by Israeli forces. Ahmad and Hamouda al-Joba, the two alleged perpetrators of the shooting, lived in the al-Jalada neighborhood. At least 13 Palestinians were arrested in the city, while dozens were held for hours and questioned in the field.