US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned a siege by Israeli settlers on Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank, calling it a "horrific act of terror." The incident involved settlers surrounding homes, throwing stones, and preventing occupants from leaving.
The strong condemnation from the U.S. ambassador highlights escalating tensions and settler violence in the West Bank, drawing international attention to the impact on Palestinian residents and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has condemned a siege by Israeli settlers on Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank, labeling it a "horrific act of terror." The incident began Sunday when settlers surrounded three houses in the village of Qusra, including one belonging to Palestinian American Loui Ridi.
According to local officials and Ridi's brother, settlers threw stones, attempted to dismantle a nearby stone wall, and prevented the occupants from leaving as their food and water supplies diminished. On Thursday morning, Qusai Abu Rida, who was defending one of the homes with his teenage son, stated they were moved by the Israeli military to another residence but remain unable to leave the immediate area.
The Israeli military confirmed that troops dismantled two illegal outposts on the outskirts of Qusra and a nearby village, detaining one Israeli. Additional soldiers were deployed to the area, approximately 16 kilometers from Nablus, for defensive missions and patrols. Qusra Mayor Abdel Azim Wadi reported that Israeli forces evacuated seven homes to establish positions within the village, though settlers reportedly remain in other parts of the village.
Journalists attempting to access Qusra on Thursday afternoon found roads into the village closed. Israeli police did not immediately provide information on any arrests.
Palestinians and the Israeli opposition have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of tolerating increased settler violence against Palestinians. Huckabee, historically an ally of the settler movement, has previously supported Israeli control of the West Bank while also condemning settler violence.