‘A disaster zone’: Hebron is under full Israeli siege, mayor says

What Happened

Hebron Mayor Yousef Jaabari told Middle East Eye on Saturday evening that Israeli forces had sealed off all entrances to Hebron in the occupied West Bank and forcibly displaced around 2,200 Palestinians from their homes. Jaabari said, “Hebron is now a disaster zone,” and accused Israel of imposing collective punishment following a shooting on Friday. The article reports that two suspected Palestinians opened fire on Israeli troops near the Farsh al-Hawa checkpoint west of Hebron, killing two soldiers and wounding three others. Jaabari said the affected area spans approximately 330 dunams and contains more than 490 housing units, with residents evicted from Deir Bahala, al-Jalda and surrounding neighbourhoods. Hebron has approximately 320,000 residents and is the administrative centre of a governorate of around one million people, according to the mayor.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The reported full closure of Hebron, a city of approximately 320,000 and the administrative centre of a governorate of around one million people, marks a significant escalation of Israeli military measures in the occupied West Bank during the ongoing Gaza war. The mayor’s claim of collective punishment and forced displacement of over 2,200 people from an area of 330 dunams could heighten Palestinian anger and draw international scrutiny over the legality of such measures.

Watch For

Monitor whether the IDF or Israeli authorities confirm, deny or modify the reported closure and evictions; statements from UN OCHA, the Palestinian Authority and international mediators; potential clashes or further displacement in Hebron governorate; and any humanitarian or legal consequences, including access restrictions for monitors and residents.