Qusra: Two Palestinian families were forced to leave their homes in the occupied West Bank as Israeli troops entered the village of Qusra amid an ongoing siege by Israeli settlers. The developments came a day after the commander of Israeli forces in the West Bank pledged to remove the settlers.
Families trapped for days
The crisis began when settlers established a tent outside three Palestinian homes, blocking access and reportedly cutting water and electricity supplies. The families were left unable to leave safely, while concerns were also raised about access to medical assistance.
Israeli forces later entered several homes in the area, saying they were conducting a military operation. Six homes were subsequently vacated by soldiers, according to local officials, while some Palestinian residents were temporarily moved elsewhere.
The Israeli military said soldiers had been instructed that residents should remain in their homes and that troops would not operate inside the besieged houses. However, residents said the military presence resulted in further disruption and damage.
Settler violence draws criticism
The confrontation has attracted strong criticism from Palestinians and Israeli commentators, with accusations that security forces have failed to adequately protect residents from settler attacks.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also condemned the actions of the settlers, describing the siege as an act of terrorism. AP reported that the incident has become part of a broader pattern of rising settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli former prime minister Ehud Olmert has described the events as an attempt to drive Palestinians from their homes, while accusing Israeli authorities of failing to act decisively.
Tensions continue to rise
The Qusra incident comes amid growing tensions across the West Bank, where disputes over land, settlements and Palestinian communities have repeatedly triggered violence.
Reuters reported that Israeli troops had clashed with settlers the previous day while attempting to dismantle an outpost established near Palestinian homes in Qusra.
The latest confrontation has renewed concerns over civilian safety and the protection of Palestinian communities as violence continues across the occupied territory.