Israeli settlers besieging Palestinian families in West Bank village
Israeli security forces have reportedly withdrawn and about a dozen settlers are said to remain at the site where two families have been besieged since Sunday.
Since Sunday, Israeli settlers have been besieging two Palestinian families in their homes in the West Bank village of Qusra near Nablus, according to sources. The families reported running out of supplies and rights groups have urged authorities to intervene. Israeli security forces reportedly withdrew from the Jewish settler outpost in the village on Wednesday following clashes with extremists.
About a dozen settlers remain at the site. The Abu Ridi and Hassan families have posted on social media seeking help, with their water, power, and food supplies cut off. The settlers aim to empty the area of Palestinian residents, a claim that is illegal under international law. Palestinian security camera footage shows settlers tearing down a wall and blocking the road, leaving seven people, including two young girls, unable to leave their homes.
Israeli settlers blocked journalists from reaching the Palestinian properties, claiming it was a closed military zone. The Israel Defense Forces condemned the establishment of the outpost and stated that entering and seizing Palestinian homes is illegal and reprehensible. Palestinian security camera footage also shows confrontations between settlers and security forces, who used tear gas and stun grenades.
The Israeli military is investigating the incident and plans to take disciplinary action against the security personnel involved. Palestinian officials have expressed concern over the pattern of targeting in Qusra, with recent violence including the burning of a newly completed mosque.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
