- Israeli troops took up positions inside Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Qusra on Thursday, after settlers trapped Palestinian families in a siege.
- The military said soldiers were deployed to protect residents and maintain security, and that residents would remain in their homes.
- Earlier, troops used tear gas in a failed attempt to remove settlers, and more troops were sent for defensive missions and patrols.
- Video showed Israeli men in military garb joining settlers in prayer; the military said it was taking disciplinary action against any personnel involved.
- The military said some 15 Palestinians including two children were trapped inside their homes in a state of terror, without water or electricity.
- Qusra mayor Abed Al Athem Wadi said six homes were evacuated and taken over by Israeli soldiers, including the three besieged hilltop homes.
- The two families under siege say they have no food or medicine, and settlers have damaged property, thrown stones, and shouted insults.
Israeli troops have taken positions inside Palestinian homes in Qusra, West Bank, following a siege by Jewish settlers that began over the weekend. The settlers closed off access to three homes, cutting off electricity and water, and setting up a tent in front of the residences.1
Qusra mayor Abed Al Athem Wadi reported that six homes were evacuated and occupied by Israeli soldiers, with two families confined to one house. The military stated that its presence aims to protect residents and maintain security, asserting that "Qusra residents will remain in their homes." However, the situation remains dire for the trapped families, with reports indicating that 15 Palestinians, including two children, are in a state of terror, lacking basic necessities.27
Video footage showed Israeli settlers and military personnel participating in a morning prayer at the tent, raising concerns about the military's role in the situation. The military has promised disciplinary action against any personnel involved in misconduct.45
Residents have appealed for help, with Qusay Abu Reeda, a Palestinian trapped in one of the besieged homes, stating, "We appeal to government institutions and to every free and honourable person to help us secure food and medicine." U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the actions of the settlers, labeling them as criminal and stating that the military has been requested to intervene.
“Qusra mayor Abed Al Athem Wadi said six homes were evacuated and taken over by soldiers, with two families gathered in one house. The military said some 15 Palestinians, including two children, were trapped without water or electricity, and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the settlers' actions criminal.”
