Activists try to deliver aid to Palestinians in homes besieged by Israeli settlers

Activists have attempted to provide aid to Palestinians in homes besieged by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Two families in Qusra have been trapped since Sunday, with their utilities cut off. Supplies were left near their houses, but settlers prevented the activists from delivering them directly. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied this claim.

On Friday, settlers returned to set up a tent near the area, which was later removed by Israeli forces. The IDF stated that Qusra is a closed military zone, preventing Israeli civilians from entering. However, they were not stopped from delivering aid. About a dozen Palestinian households were forced to leave their properties due to the previous operation to disperse settlers.

Qusra Mayor Abdul Azim Wadi claims Israeli forces are using some of the vacated Palestinian houses as barracks. The Israeli military asserts their presence is to protect residents, but the government will investigate and arrest responsible parties. Confrontations between Israeli soldiers and settlers escalated after settlers blocked roads and cut off utilities.

Tear gas and stun grenades were used, with settlers aiming to empty the area of Palestinians. This incident highlights the impunity of settlers and the challenges Israeli forces face in addressing rising settler violence. Since January 2023, 127 Palestinian communities have been displaced, affecting over 6,390 people, with nearly half being children.