Israeli Troops Enter Palestinian Homes as Settler Siege Grips West Bank Village

Israeli troops took positions inside Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra on Thursday as a settler siege left families trapped without electricity or water, according to the village mayor and residents.

The confrontation began over the weekend when Israeli settlers blocked access to three homes in Qusra and erected a tent in their front yards. Residents said the settlers prevented people from entering or leaving after previously cutting electricity and water supplies.

By Thursday evening, Israeli soldiers remained positioned at three homes, Mayor Abed Al Athem Wadi and residents said. One was located near the properties surrounded by settlers, while two were closer to central Qusra. Residents said soldiers indicated that military operations could continue until Sunday.

The Israeli military said troops had been deployed to Qusra to protect residents and maintain security, adding that villagers had been instructed to remain inside their homes. It also said soldiers would not operate inside a Palestinian family's home near the location of a settler tent that had been dismantled.

The United Nations said around 15 Palestinians, including two children, had been trapped without water or electricity.

Loui Ridi, a Palestinian-American living in Ohio whose brother is among those affected, said he feared for his family's safety. Ridi said soldiers removed a security camera he had been using to follow developments at his Qusra property.

The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of Israeli settler activity in the West Bank as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government expands settlements. The Israeli military also said it was taking disciplinary action after footage appeared to show men in military clothing joining settlers in prayer.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the settlers' actions as criminal and said Israeli military and police forces had moved to remove those involved.

The West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war, is home to roughly three million Palestinians and 500,000 Israeli settlers. Peace Now estimates the territory contains 146 settlements and about 390 smaller outposts.