Netanyahu condemns settler attack in flashpoint West Bank village

QUSRA, Palestinian Territories: Israeli settlers launched a violent assault on the Palestinian village of Qusra on August 29, following weeks of escalating tensions, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rare public condemnation. Tensions began in August when settlers blocked supplies from reaching residents, leading to strong criticism from the US ambassador.

Despite Israeli forces' ongoing presence in the area and settler activity in surrounding hills, the violence continued. On Saturday, dozens of settlers entered the village, threw stones at residents, and barricaded themselves inside a house. The incident occurred in Jalud, where masked settlers attacked a Reuters reporting team and a Palestinian woman.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the "criminal acts of violence" committed by a few rioters, while President Isaac Herzog and Israel's foreign ministry condemned the attacks as a "disgrace." In Qusra, a resident recounted how settlers called for backup and returned with more individuals, surrounding a house and throwing stones at Palestinians inside.

Israeli forces deployed to the scene, identifying and removing the settlers from the house while separating conflicting groups and confiscating suspected vehicles.