Israeli occupation forces reinvaded the town of Hizma, northeast of occupied Jerusalem in the West Bank, on Wednesday evening, only hours after withdrawing from the area following a two‑day siege marked by extensive home invasions, mass interrogations, severe movement restrictions, and property destruction.
The Jerusalem Governorate reported that military units stormed the town’s commercial area shortly after their withdrawal, firing concussion grenades and toxic tear gas toward shops and forcing owners to shut down.
Troops simultaneously closed all entrances to Hizma with military roadblocks, preventing vehicles from entering or leaving.
Dozens of residents were left trapped inside their cars at the roadblocks as soldiers refused to allow movement in either direction.
The renewed invasion came on the heels of a sweeping military offensive that began at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, when Israeli forces sealed every main and secondary entrance to the town, including rough backroads used by residents.
Soldiers installed military barriers and earth mounds, effectively restricting movement inside Hizma’s neighborhoods.
During the two‑day operation, Israeli forces carried out dozens of home invasions and searches of commercial properties.
Thirteen Palestinians were abducted, while more than 100 residents were subjected to field interrogations inside their homes. Several were beaten and assaulted during these interrogations.
Troops also seized more than 35 vehicles and motorcycles, in addition to taking over three homes. One of the seized houses was converted into a field interrogation center, while others were turned into military posts throughout the invasion.
Residents reported that the intensity of the incursions escalated overnight, with soldiers causing extensive damage inside multiple homes.
Families described deliberate destruction of property, including the ransacking of rooms and forced searches of mobile phones. Two households reported the theft of gold jewelry and cash during the invasions.
Throughout the offensive, Israeli forces fired dozens of stun grenades and toxic tear gas at residents near the town’s entrances, preventing them from entering or exiting.
The heavy military presence inside residential areas prompted all schools in Hizma to suspend classes for the duration of the invasion to protect students’ safety.
In addition to the home invasions and movement restrictions, Israeli forces demolished a commercial storage facility in the town without prior notice.
The situation in Hizma remains tense as residents continue to face the aftermath of the two‑day siege and the renewed military presence on Wednesday evening.
