U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, criticized Israeli settlers for besieging a Palestinian American family’s home in the West Bank, labeling the incident as a “horrific act of terror.” Settlers have been gathering near the residence in Qusra since Sunday, harassing the occupants despite Israeli military intervention attempts.
The settlers, comprising a group of numerous men, have engaged in stone-throwing, trying to demolish a nearby stone wall, and preventing the family from leaving, leading to dwindling supplies. Qusai Abu Rida, who defended the house with his son, reported that they were relocated by the Israeli military to another house but are still restricted from leaving the area.
The Israeli military did not confirm the relocation of residents. Loui Ridi, the homeowner, stated that settlers had targeted his Qusra residence for months prior to the recent escalation. Huckabee condemned the actions of the settlers, describing their behavior as “disgusting” and emphasizing the need for law enforcement to address the situation.
Qusra Mayor Abed Al Athem Wadi disclosed that Israeli soldiers had evacuated and seized six homes in the village, including three hilltop residences under siege. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) criticized the actions aimed at forcing residents off their land.
The Canadian government and various human rights organizations have condemned the surge in settler violence in the West Bank. Critics accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of overlooking settler attacks. The Israeli military labeled the siege as “illegal, reprehensible, and unacceptable,” declaring the area a closed military zone.
Recent incidents of violence in the area have raised concerns, with ongoing conflicts between settlers and Palestinians. The expansion of settlements in the West Bank, deemed illegal under international law, remains a contentious issue, impacting prospects for a Palestinian state in the region.