Israeli Troops Enter Qusra Homes as West Bank Settler Siege Continues

Israeli troops took positions inside Palestinian homes in Qusra in the occupied West Bank on Thursday as families remained caught in a days-long siege involving Israeli settlers, according to the village mayor and residents.

The confrontation began over the weekend when settlers blocked access to three homes on the outskirts of Qusra and erected a tent in their yards. Residents said the settlers prevented people from entering or leaving after electricity and water supplies had already been cut.

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

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

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

Palestinian-American Loui Ridi, whose brother is among those affected, described feeling fear and helplessness. Ridi said he had monitored events through a security camera at his Qusra property until soldiers removed it.

The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of Israeli settler land seizures in the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has overseen a major expansion of Israeli settlements, while Palestinians accuse authorities of failing to prevent settlers from taking land and resources.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the settlers' actions as criminal and said Israeli military and police personnel had responded following a U.S. request.

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 about 146 settlements and 390 smaller outposts.