BREAKING: Israeli settlers have surrounded two Palestinian households in the Qusra village near Nablus, cutting off water, power and food supplies.
The families, the Abu Ridi and Hassan, posted on social media demanding help, calling the situation critical and isolated.
Security forces initially appeared to join the settlers but later withdrew and soldiers filmed praying beside the settlers. The IDF issued a statement condemning the outpost, declaring it illegal, reprehensible and unacceptable, and used tear gas and stun grenades when the settlers regrouped.
The outpost remains; the IDF has said the tent was evacuated and will disband the civilian presence. A Palestinian ambulance finally reached the families, delivering food and removing a child for medical treatment.
UN officials warn that the West Bank is at breaking point, citing 76 Palestinians—including 18 children—and three Israelis killed this year, amid increasing settler violence and property seizures.
The village mayor reports a pattern of targeting Qusra, having seen a mosque set on fire in January and continual attacks by settlers that have pushed residents to flee. The latest event follows a surge of violence that saw the death of four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers in an earlier escalation.
The Israeli Ambassador to the UN dismissed settlements as obstacles to peace, arguing they will remain. Meanwhile, the IDF promises disciplinary action against personnel who had been documented at the site days before.
