US diplomat calls Israeli settler siege of West Bank homes ‘act of terror’

US diplomat calls Israeli settler siege of West Bank homes ‘act of terror’ A US diplomat has condemned a days-long siege of Palestinian homes in the West Bank as an “act of terror.” The incident occurred in the village of Qusra, near Nablus, where Israeli settlers blocked access to three Palestinian families, cutting them off from essential services. The United States ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, issued a sharp critique of the actions, describing them as “horrific” and “disgusting.” Huckabee, known for his strong support of Israel and its settlements, made the remarks on Thursday following reports of the siege. According to local media, the settlers used rocks and tents to block the entrances to the homes, preventing the families from receiving food, water, and electricity. One of the affected families includes a dual US citizen, adding international attention to the situation. Palestinian residents described the ordeal as an attempt by the settlers to seize their land. Loai Ridi, an American-Palestinian homeowner in Qusra, spoke to Al Jazeera from Toledo, stating that his brother Qusai Abu Rida and his 18-year-old nephew Ahmed were trapped inside their home. They rely on a temporary solar power system and leftover well water from the winter, as supply lines were cut. Ridi emphasized that his brother refuses to leave the home, fearing that the settlers would take over the property immediately. Another resident, Aisha Abu Rida, vowed not to abandon her home, expressing determination despite the dire conditions. Al Jazeera correspondent Nida Ibrahim noted that the entire village of Qusra is under siege, with all entry points blocked by Israeli forces. She explained that the military action aims to prevent aid from reaching the families, effectively isolating them further. Efforts by Israeli security forces to dislodge the settlers began earlier in the week. The Times of Israel reported that Israeli forces and police tried to evacuate the settlers on Thursday after a failed attempt the day before. However, the settlers remained in the area, using makeshift barriers to maintain control. The US ambassador shared footage showing Israeli tanks entering the West Bank town, suggesting a coordinated response to the situation. In a separate statement, the Israeli military claimed to have dismantled “two illegal outposts” near Qusra and Jalud, confiscating equipment and detaining one individual. This follows ongoing accusations that Israeli forces often support settlers, enabling their aggressive tactics against Palestinians. Settlers have increasingly targeted Palestinian properties, sometimes with the tacit approval of Israeli authorities. Recent months have seen a surge in violence and land seizures in the West Bank, driven by the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government. His administration has accelerated settlement construction, emboldening settlers to carry out more frequent and severe attacks. Qusra, located in Area B of the West Bank, is under Palestinian civil administration, yet it has become a focal point for settler activity. The village has endured multiple incidents, including the burning of a newly constructed mosque last month. In the neighboring village of Jalud, a similar two-week siege in July led to the displacement of two Palestinian families before the land was seized by settlers. These repeated attacks underscore the escalating tensions in the region, with both sides accusing each other of violating international law and human rights norms.