Fire breaks out in town near Jerusalem, following Israeli military raid

Israeli settlers have surrounded Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Qusra, preventing residents from leaving since last week. Among them is Loui Ridi, a Palestinian American, who arrived in Israel on Monday to defend his home besieged by settlers. Ridi's brother reported that settlers are still patrolling the area near their home, located about 10 miles southeast of Nablus.

Ridi's teenage son and Qusra's other family members are currently inside the house for protection. He expressed deep concern for their safety and his own. The Israeli army has declared the part of Qusra containing Ridi's home a closed military zone. According to Palestinian health officials, 87 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers so far this year, while Palestinians have killed three Israelis, including two in the West Bank village of Tell last month.

The United States has condemned the siege, and the Israeli military claims its presence is to maintain order. The current violence in the West Bank has intensified in recent months, with settlers, emboldened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government, intensifying attacks on Palestinian towns and villages, including burning homes, mosques, and fields.