Overview
- Dozens of Israeli settlers have surrounded three homes in Qusra since August 9, trapping about 15 Palestinians, including two young children, and cutting off water, electricity and supplies.
- The Israeli military declared the area a closed military zone, stationed troops near the homes and at times blocked aid convoys while municipal crews later restored some utilities.
- Humanitarian access has been hindered by security actions that intercepted a UNICEF convoy and expelled a water tanker, leaving residents short of food, water and medicine.
- Palestinian-American owner Louai Abu Ridi flew back to the region on August 17 to try to protect his property and asked U.S. officials for protection as settlers continue to operate nearby.
- The incident has drawn wide condemnation from U.N. bodies, human rights groups and the U.S. ambassador and comes as settlers have pitched tents to form new illegal outposts near Umm Safa and Burqa, reflecting a wider pattern of attacks and land grabs across the West Bank.