Two Palestinian families in the village of Qusra, near Nablus in the West Bank, have been stranded in their homes since Sunday, while entrances and roads near the houses have been blocked by Israeli settlers. Reports speak of interruptions to water, electricity and food supplies, further worsening the situation on the ground.
Families say they have been trapped inside their homes
According to the Abu Ridi and Hassan families, settlers took over the entrances and roads leading to the houses, leaving the residents effectively shut inside. In one of the homes, seven people, including two young girls, were unable to leave.
Qusay Abu Ridi described the situation on social media as critical, saying the family was completely isolated. Meanwhile, Aysha Hassan said the settlers had tried to break the house gate and had thrown stones at the family.
Ambulance entered only after two days
A Palestinian ambulance was allowed to reach the families only on Tuesday evening. It delivered food and took one child for medical treatment.
The fact that basic aid arrived late has increased the concerns of human rights organizations, which have called on the Israeli authorities to intervene to protect the residents.
Security footage and clash with settlers
Security camera footage shows settlers tearing down a wall near the Abu Ridi family home and using the stones to block the road. The footage strengthens the families’ claims that the isolation was not accidental, but organized on the ground.
On Wednesday, Israeli security forces clashed with a crowd of settlers in the area where a new settler outpost had been set up. According to reports, about a dozen settlers were at the scene, while security forces used tear gas and smoke grenades.
The army’s official version and organizations’ reaction
In a statement, the Israeli army condemned the establishment of the roadblock and the entry onto Palestinian property, calling these actions illegal, criminal and unacceptable. According to the army, border police evacuated a tent where the settlers were staying and were working to remove them.
There was also a reaction from the Israeli human rights organization Yesh Din, which called on the army to protect the surrounded families, remove the settlers from the area and hold those involved accountable.
Residents speak of a pattern of repeated attacks
For the residents of Qusra, the incident is not seen as an isolated episode. Village head Abdel Azim Wadi described the situation as part of a clear and sustained pattern of targeting the community.
Last month, a newly completed mosque in the village was burned, while Hebrew graffiti appeared nearby. This further strengthens suspicions that tensions in the area are deepening beyond a single incident.
The incident in Qusra once again exposes the gap between official statements and the real security situation on the ground for Palestinian civilians.
Despite the condemnation expressed by the army, the families report that the isolation and fear were concrete, prolonged and had immediate consequences for daily life.