In brief
The Israeli army plans to bring more troops to Qusra, a West Bank village near Nablus, after Israeli settlers trapped the Abu Ridi and Hassan families in their homes, severing supplies. The settlement blockades have drawn rebuke from the UN and U.S. officials, who describe the settlers as “Israeli terrorists.” Videos show Israeli security forces attempting to dislodge the settlers with tear gas and stun grenades, but without success. The incident highlights the ongoing escalation of settler violence and the challenges faced by the Israeli military in regulating outposts. The UN reports that 76 Palestinians were killed and thousands displaced in the West Bank this year amid the surge in settler attacks.
More troops to be sent to West Bank village besieged by Israeli settlers
Israeli forces will deploy additional troops to the West Bank village of Qusra, following a siege by settlers that has cut water and power to the Abu Ridi and Hassan families for several days.
Since Sunday, the two families have appealed for help after their homes were surrounded by Israeli settlers. Videos posted from Qusra show dozens of Israeli security vehicles—including a bulldozer—blocking the road to the families’ gates. The Israeli army later confirmed that its soldiers were unable to dislodge the settlers, citing the readiness of the civilian outpost and the need for further planning.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned the blockade, calling the settlers “Israeli terrorists,” and urged the Israeli government to remove them.
“Actions by those who carried out this horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family are disgusting. No excuse for such thuggish behavior,” Huckabee posted on X.
The UN estimates that 76 Palestinians, including 18 children, have been killed in the West Bank this year, while 127 communities have faced displacement or partial evacuation—over 6,390 people. In 2026, the UN reports nearly 3,800 Palestinians, half of them children, displaced due to settler violence and demolitions.
Israeli officials claim that settlements are legally and historically justified, citing biblical ties. However, international law declares settlements illegal, and the rapid expansion has been cited as a key obstacle to peace.
