Settler siege of Palestinian homes in West Bank a ‘horrific act of terror,’ US ambassador says

The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has denounced the actions of Jewish settlers who have besieged the home of an American Palestinian family in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. According to local officials and family members, settlers have been gathered near the house in the village of Qusra since Sunday, harassing those inside, defying the efforts of the Israeli military to quell the situation.

The siege has lasted for several days, during which the settlers have thrown stones, attempted to destroy a nearby stone wall, and prevented the occupants from leaving despite the dwindling supplies. The owner of the property, Lou Ridi, explained to the AP by phone from Ohio that his 48-year-old brother and nephew have been trapped in the house, unable to leave and without access to food or water for several days.

On Thursday, the owner's brother, Qusai Abu Rida, and his teenage son were evacuated by Israel's military. However, it remains unclear what will become of the property and at least one other house that has also been targeted. In response to the escalating situation, Israeli troops intervened in recent days to restore order. The military stated that overnight on Thursday, they dismantled "two illegal outposts" on the outskirts of Qusra and a nearby village, and detained one Israeli.

They also deployed additional soldiers to the area, located approximately 10 miles from the Palestinian city of Nablus, to carry out defensive missions and patrols. Local journalists reported that roads into the village were closed at the time of reporting. Israeli police have not yet commented on whether any Israeli civilians have been arrested in connection with the incident.