- Jewish settlers have besieged Palestinians in an occupied West Bank village, leading to significant tensions in the area.
- The US ambassador has condemned the settler siege of Palestinian homes as a 'horrific act of terror'.
- Israeli forces evacuated seven homes in Qusra to take positions, while settlers remain in other parts of the village.
- Reports indicate that roads into Qusra have been closed, and food and water are prohibited from reaching those besieged.
- Palestinians and the Israeli opposition accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of turning a blind eye to settler violence.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee has sharply criticized the siege of Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra, labeling it a 'horrific act of terror.' The siege, which began on Sunday, involved violent Jewish settlers surrounding the home of an American Palestinian family, preventing them from accessing essential supplies.12
According to local officials and family members, the settlers, numbering in the dozens, have harassed the occupants, throwing stones and attempting to demolish nearby structures. Lou Ridi, the homeowner, reported that his brother and nephew had been trapped inside without food or water for several days.
On Thursday morning, Ridi's brother, Qusai Abu Rida, and his teenage son were evacuated by Israeli military forces, but they remain unable to leave the area, which is approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from the Palestinian city of Nablus. The Israeli military has since dismantled 'two illegal outposts' in the vicinity and increased troop presence for patrols.
Despite these actions, the settlers continue to occupy other parts of the village, and roads into Qusra were closed, further escalating tensions. Local residents, including Yasser Ahmad, reported that no food or water is allowed to reach those besieged, highlighting the dire situation.56
Critics, including Palestinians and Israeli opposition members, accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of ignoring settler violence, which has surged in recent years.78
The U.S. Embassy has been coordinating with Israeli authorities to address the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect the besieged families.
“Mayor Abdel Azim Wadi said Israeli forces evacuated seven homes to take positions, while settlers remain in other parts of the village. Residents report food and water are prohibited from reaching the besieged, and Palestinians accuse Netanyahu's government of turning a blind eye to settler violence.”
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