Israeli forces displace nearly 2,000 Palestinians in Hebron siege

Neighborhoods stormed and homes demolished

Israeli forces sealed off the city of 250,000 people following a gun attack at a military checkpoint on Friday that killed two soldiers. Soldiers entered various neighborhoods, such as Farsh al-Hawa, and razed a three-story structure along with industrial sites as directed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

According to the Israeli Defense Forces, the mission in Al-Jaladah and Ein Deir Baha was conducted to find weapons and terrorists. In the areas of Deir Bahha and Al-Jilda, soldiers used loudspeakers to order residents to leave. When some residents refused, troops stormed their homes.

Soldiers also broke into and searched houses in other neighborhoods, ransacking their contents. In the course of the sweep, Abdullah Monther al-Zaru was abducted by forces from the al-Kassara area.

Voices from the ground and officials’ statements

Hebron Mayor Yousef al-Jabari described the military measures as a “policy of collective punishment”. Residents faced immediate pressure to abandon their homes after military vehicles used loudspeakers to order them to vacate.

Hebron imam Fahed Ahmaro questioned the order, saying, “Never, never, never. Why should I leave my house?”. Other residents felt they had no choice but to leave for the safety of women and children.

Everything we own, including our documents and savings, remains inside the house”. Philanthropists opened their homes to displaced Palestinians. Riyadh Khamis, a committee member, said philanthropists opened their homes to the displaced, adding, “Hebron is known for its social solidarity and generosity”.

Humanitarian fallout and local response

Since the Israeli army began its operation on Friday, the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah has documented that over 2,670 Palestinians have abandoned their residences. Streets in the area remain largely deserted due to the ongoing siege and movement restrictions.

Mayor Yousef al-Jabari said the forced evacuations impacted residents in Deir Bahha and sections of Al-Jilda, including children, women, young men and older people. Multiple Israeli human-rights organizations reported that this displacement threatens the health and wellbeing of approximately 1,200 Palestinian civilians, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Following the widespread displacement, Palestinian authorities in Hebron announced a state of emergency. To oversee the humanitarian response, they established a crisis group comprised of civil society, the private sector, and government agencies.

Legal challenges and rights‑group condemnations

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society reported that Israeli forces have abducted 71 Palestinians since the military operation began in Hebron. On Monday, Israeli forces abducted two additional Palestinians in the Hebron governorate.

Noa Sattath, Executive Director of ACRI, criticized the military action. She said, "No attack, however grave, gives the military license to punish an entire city," and promised that ACRI will use legal means to ensure families return to their homes.

Israeli army’s claim of voluntary evacuations

The Israeli army stated that the displaced population left their homes voluntarily.