‘We have no protection’: Palestinian family vows not to leave Kusra home as extremists return

Qusai Abu Ridi, a Palestinian resident of Kusra village, south of Nablus in the West Bank, has expressed his family's determination to remain in their home despite facing threats from radical Israeli settlers. Despite recent actions by the Israeli military to remove a makeshift outpost outside his house, settlers reportedly returned, posing a continued danger to Qusai, his family, and neighbors.

The Israeli military dismantled the tent structure, but settlers allegedly returned, setting up camp just seven meters from the Abu Ridi's residence.

Qusai attributes the escalation of settler violence to recent deadly clashes in the northern West Bank village of Tell. He claims that since then, settlers have increased their presence and harassment in Kusra. The family's predicament worsened after the tent was established a few days ago, as settlers blocked their exit from the house and left them without access to food and water. Qusai stated, "What happened in the past days has been much worse; we felt besieged."

The extremist settlers are reportedly attempting to force Qusai and his family out of their house, which lies on the western outskirts of the village. Qusai believes they aim to settle there themselves. He vowed, "We will hold on to our land and property. We will not let them expel us from this land and take over. Even if we are left only with salt and water, we'll stay here."

Qusai's brother, Louay, lives in America and has sought assistance from the American embassy. Qusai mentioned that the American diplomat is scheduled to arrive in Kusra on Sunday, but he remains concerned about the safety of his family and his brother's property.