Israeli forces impose lockdown and mass expulsions in Hebron

Israeli security forces placed Hebron under a citywide lockdown on Friday following a shooting at a military checkpoint that killed two soldiers and the two Palestinian suspects involved. The operation has resulted in the detention of at least 47 Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society, and the demolition of dozens of residential buildings.

Hebron municipality data indicate that the demolition and forced evacuations affect an area of about 350 dunams, displacing roughly 500 families and forcing around 2,500 residents to leave their homes. Human-rights researcher Hesham al-Sharbati described the actions as a "complete eviction campaign" and suggested they could constitute a war crime. Municipal council member Moamar Yousef al-Awiwi said the operation amounts to collective punishment contrary to international law.

The city, which produces about 40 percent of Palestinian industrial output and 30 percent of exports, faces significant economic strain. Economic researcher Ahmed Abu Qamar warned that restrictions on movement and trade could raise production costs, delay deliveries and force many facilities to reduce or halt operations, affecting the broader West Bank economy.

The Old City’s Israeli settler population and expanded “closed zones” have further limited Palestinian access to commercial areas such as Shuhada Street, where more than 500 shops have been shuttered. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the transfer of planning and construction authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque and surrounding H2 zone to the national level, removing municipal oversight.

"Hebron… is a first-class industrial city and a key pillar of the Palestinian economy," Abu Qamar told Al Jazeera.

"The actions represent a complete eviction campaign for a Palestinian residential neighbourhood," al-Sharbati said.

"It serves as a crime and collective punishment contrary to all international customs and laws," al-Awiwi added.