Jewish settlers in the village of Kusra besiege Palestinian families with the desire to take over their homes
Israeli Jewish settlers and soldiers have been besieging three Palestinian families in their homes in the village of Kusra near Nablus on the occupied West Bank since late last week. The settlers aim to occupy the properties while terrorizing the residents. On Sunday afternoon, settlers set up a tent in front of the home of Joseph Hassan and captured him inside with his wife and two young daughters, according to BBC reports. Settlers gathered just meters away from where a Jewish settler had killed 28-year-old Palestinian Amir Moatasem Odeh in March, with another attacker stabbing his father. No arrests were made for the murder and attack. 'Every night, settlers throw stones, use tear gas, and scream all night. We live in a state of terror,' said Hassan. His mother, brother, sister, and three neighbors were also trapped in the house, which had its electricity and water supply cut off. According to Aisha Hassan, who was held in one of the houses, settlers tried to break into the house, threw stones at family members, and threatened them. Surveillance footage showed settlers attempting to dismantle the wall in front of one of the Palestinian families' homes on Sunday evening, throwing
Israeli Jewish settlers and soldiers have surrounded three Palestinian families in the village of Qusra near Nablus on the occupied West Bank, demanding control of their homes through intimidation and blockades. The families, who have been under siege since late last week, are cut off from essential supplies and unable to leave their homes without risking violence. According to reports, the settlers have erected barriers, thrown stones, and used verbal abuse to prevent the families from escaping. One of the targeted homes belongs to a U.S. citizen, adding international attention to the crisis. The conflict began after a group of Jewish settlers established themselves near the homes of the Hassan family and others in Qusra. On Sunday afternoon, settlers set up a tent outside the home of Joseph Hassan and entered his house with his wife and two young daughters, according to the BBC. The incident took place near the site where a settler killed 28-year-old Palestinian Amir Moatasem Odeh in March, and another attacker stabbed Odeh’s father. No one has been arrested for the murder or attack. Joseph Hassan described the conditions inside the house as terrifying. He said settlers throw stones, use slingshots, and shout throughout the night, leaving the family in constant fear. His mother, sister, brother, and three neighbors are also trapped in the house, which has been cut off from electricity and water. They rely on solar panels for some power. A neighbor, Aisha Hassan, who is held in one of the houses, said the settlers attempted to break into the home, throwing stones at family members and causing immense fear. Footage from surveillance cameras showed settlers trying to tear down the wall in front of one of the Palestinian homes on Sunday evening, placing large rocks on the road leading to the village to block access. When the families reported the blockade to the Israeli military, soldiers arrived on the scene, but they were captured on camera praying alongside the settlers. The settlers prevented a rescue vehicle from reaching the home of Hassan’s younger daughter, who fell ill on Monday with high fever and convulsions. The child could only be taken to the hospital on Tuesday after the settlers blocked the way. A local commander from the Israeli military visited the families on Wednesday morning, promising to remove the settlers from in front of their homes. However, the soldiers only removed the tent and not the equipment, and after a brief confrontation with the settlers, they withdrew. The settlers remain in front of the house, preventing the Palestinians from going outside. The Israeli military stated that soldiers supporting the settlers would face disciplinary action, though no deadline was given for lifting the blockade. The mayor of the Palestinian village, Abdel Azim Vadi, told the BBC that there is a clear and enforced pattern of encirclement in Qusra. Last month, settlers burned a new mosque in the village and defaced it with Hebrew graffiti. Meanwhile, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, criticized the siege of Palestinian homes as “terrorism,” according to Al Jazeera. One of the besieged homes belongs to Loai Ridi, a U.S. citizen whose brother, Kusay Abu Rida, and 18-year-old nephew Ahmed are trapped inside. Ridi, who lives in Toledo, Ohio, said his brother refuses to leave the house because if he does, the settlers will immediately take over the property. According to Al Jazeera, the entire village of Qusra is effectively under siege, with the Israeli military blocking all entry points to prevent other Palestinians from helping those trapped. Settlers have used similar tactics in neighboring villages, such as Džalud, where they seized homes after a two-week-long siege earlier this month. The United Nations has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the region, noting that aid workers are facing over 900 physical obstacles, including checkpoints, roadblocks, and other restrictions. Humanitarian groups have struggled to reach the families in Qusra, with the UN warning that time is running out before the families are forcibly displaced. The situation highlights the growing tensions in the occupied West Bank, where settlements continue to expand, often with the backing of the Israeli military. As the families in Qusra endure days without water, food, or electricity, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures their safety and dignity.
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As of August 14, 2026, the United Nations reports that humanitarian aid workers face significant challenges delivering essential supplies to Palestinian families in the West Bank, where over 900 physical barriers, including checkpoints, roadblocks, and gates, restrict movement. In Qusra village near Nablus, three families have been cut off since Tuesday after a nearby settlement was established and access restrictions tightened. The UN has expressed concern that these families could be forcibly displaced soon. Efforts to deliver food, water, medicine, and hygiene supplies have failed, with reports that settlers reinstalled tents previously removed by Israeli forces. The humanitarian crisis in the northern West Bank remains severe, with ongoing support for vulnerable populations, including children with disabilities. In Gaza, aid continues despite ongoing insecurity, with recent incidents affecting nearly 300 households due to attacks, fires, and restricted access zones. Over 300,000 children in Gaza remain enrolled in summer learning programs supported by UN partners.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the humanitarian challenges faced in the West Bank and Gaza, citing the United Nations and its partners. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, nor does it favor one side over another. The focus is on the obstruction of aid delivery and the impact on平民
Why factuality (85): The article reports on the UN's statement regarding over 900 physical obstacles affecting aid access in the West Bank. It cites a direct quote from UN spokesperson Daniela Gross, providing specific examples of challenges faced by humanitarian workers. The information aligns with the cross-source con
Why objectivity (78): The article presents the situation from a humanitarian perspective, using terms like 'trapped,' 'dire situation,' and 'forcibly displaced' which carry emotional weight. While it provides factual reporting, it frames the issue through the lens of those affected, potentially influencing the reader's p
RTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 85Objective 6010 days ago
Israeli Jewish settlers and soldiers have been besieging three Palestinian families in their homes in the village of Kusra near Nablus on the occupied West Bank since late last week. The settlers aim to occupy the properties while terrorizing the residents. On Sunday afternoon, settlers set up a tent in front of the home of Joseph Hassan and captured him inside with his wife and two young daughters, according to BBC reports. Settlers gathered just meters away from where a Jewish settler had killed 28-year-old Palestinian Amir Moatasem Odeh in March, with another attacker stabbing his father. No arrests were made for the murder and attack. 'Every night, settlers throw stones, use tear gas, and scream all night. We live in a state of terror,' said Hassan. His mother, brother, sister, and three neighbors were also trapped in the house, which had its electricity and water supply cut off. According to Aisha Hassan, who was held in one of the houses, settlers tried to break into the house, threw stones at family members, and threatened them. Surveillance footage showed settlers attempting to dismantle the wall in front of one of the Palestinian families' homes on Sunday evening, throwing
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Israeli settlers' actions as part of a broader campaign of ethnic cleansing, using terms like 'terrorize' and highlighting the disproportionate power dynamics between settlers and Palestinians. It emphasizes the violence and fear experienced by Palestinian families, presents the U
Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the ongoing siege of three Palestinian families in Qusra by Jewish settlers and Israeli soldiers. It includes specific details such as the location, the nature of the threat (attempted entry, stone throwing), and the involvement of military forces. The reference to a p
Why objectivity (60): The article uses strong language such as 'terorizirajo ljudi' and 'etničnega čiščenja,' which strongly frames the event as ethnic cleansing. This introduces a clear ideological bias, even if the factual content is largely accurate. The tone is highly critical of the settlers and Israeli military.
Israeli settlers have been besieging the home of the Hassan family in Qusra, Northwest Jordan, for several days. The Israeli military has attempted to intervene but has struggled to disperse the settlers, who have blocked access with stones and other obstacles. The Hassans are unable to enter their home, while their wife and son remain inside under siege conditions. The situation has led to severe hardship, including lack of water, food, and electricity. The settlers, part of a radical group known as the 'Hill Youth,' are described as young men wearing distinctive clothing associated with extremist settler groups. The Israeli military's limited response has raised concerns about both the effectiveness of their intervention and the potential psychological impact on the Palestinian residents.
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights the disproportionate power dynamics between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents, emphasizing the violence and hardship faced by the latter. It frames the Israeli military's actions as ineffective and raises questions about their willingness to act against their own comp
Why factuality (80): The article describes the situation in Qusra with detailed observations, including the presence of settlers, military personnel, and the conditions faced by the Hassan family. It corroborates the general event described in other reports, though some details (like the identity of the house owner) are
Why objectivity (65): The article contains emotionally charged descriptions ('terrorisieren', 'terorja') and quotes from the affected family that emphasize fear and suffering. This creates a clear bias toward the Palestinian perspective, with limited counterbalance from the Israeli side or official explanations.
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