- Loui Ridi, a Palestinian American, began construction on his house three years ago on land owned by his grandparents.
- For over a week, Ridi's home in Qusra has been encircled by Israeli settlers who have prevented residents from leaving.
- Ridi traveled to Israel to join family members defending the besieged property, stating, "I can't let the settlers steal my house while I was watching."
- As Ridi arrived, settlers were still roaming near Qusra, highlighting the ongoing tension in the area.
- The situation in Qusra is part of a broader trend of rising violence in the West Bank, with Israeli settlers ramping up attacks on Palestinian towns.
- Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed 87 Palestinians so far this year, according to Palestinian health officials.
- The U.N. has reported that some 15 Palestinians, including two children, have been trapped by settlers inside homes in Qusra without running water and electricity.
Loui Ridi, a Palestinian American from Toledo, Ohio, returned to Qusra to defend his home, which has been besieged by Israeli settlers for over a week.12
"I can’t let the settlers steal my house while I was watching," Ridi stated upon his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport.
The standoff has seen settlers encircle several Palestinian homes, preventing residents from leaving. Ridi's house, built on land owned by his grandparents, is located in an area designated for Palestinian Authority control under 1990s peace accords.
The situation has escalated amid rising violence in the West Bank, with Israeli soldiers and settlers reportedly killing 87 Palestinians this year alone.56
The U.N. reported that around 15 Palestinians, including children, have been trapped in their homes in Qusra without basic necessities like water and electricity.7
Ridi expressed frustration, saying, "I should be able to go to my house freely, anytime I want. It is a frustration and a nightmare for the entire family."
The Israeli military has deployed forces to the area, claiming to maintain order as violence surges.
Ridi's case has drawn condemnation from the U.S., highlighting the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by Palestinians in the region.
“The U.N. reports that around 15 Palestinians, including children, are trapped in homes in Qusra without basic utilities due to the siege. Israeli soldiers have been deployed to the area to maintain order, as tensions escalate with settlers ramping up attacks on Palestinian properties.”
AP News
