Daijiworld Media Network - Qusra
Qusra, Aug 14: Israeli soldiers have reportedly prevented activists from delivering food and other essential supplies to Palestinian families who have been surrounded by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra for nearly a week.
Activists said they attempted to reach the besieged families with aid but were stopped by Israeli forces, who cited the area’s designation as a closed military zone. The families have reportedly faced restrictions on access to food, water and electricity during the standoff.
The situation began when Israeli settlers set up an encampment near several Palestinian homes, effectively blocking the families from freely entering or leaving their properties. Residents said utilities were also cut, leaving people trapped inside their homes.
On Friday, activists carrying food, bottled water and other supplies attempted to reach the families. According to reports, Israeli soldiers stopped them from delivering the aid directly, saying it had to be checked and would instead be taken to the residents by the military.
The incident has drawn growing criticism over the Israeli military's handling of the settler siege. The Israeli army has said it removed a settler tent and deployed troops to protect the Palestinian residents, but residents and activists say settlers have continued to remain in the area.
The United Nations has said around 15 Palestinians, including two children, were trapped inside their homes without running water or electricity. The families have expressed fears that the settlers could eventually attempt to take over their properties.
The crisis has also drawn a strong response from the United States. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has condemned the settlers involved in the siege, while Washington has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to publicly denounce the actions.
Jonathan Pollak of the Sumud Network, speaking about the situation, said activists were trying to provide assistance to Palestinians who had been cut off from essential supplies.
The Qusra standoff comes amid a wider increase in settler-related violence in the West Bank. Palestinian officials have reported a sharp rise in attacks this year, while international and human rights organisations have repeatedly called on Israeli authorities to protect Palestinian civilians and prevent further displacement.