Israeli settlers, backed by Israeli forces, have surrounded a Palestinian home in Qusra, south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, trapping at least four Palestinians inside.
According to Al Jazeera journalists, the incident occurred on Saturday as settlers also set fire to nearby land. Efforts were reportedly underway to allow ambulances to reach the area and evacuate an injured person.
Qusra has experienced increasing settler violence over the past month. Since August 9, settlers have besieged three Palestinian homes in the Ras al-Ain area, restricting residents’ access to water, electricity and other essential supplies. A mosque in the village was also set on fire in July.
One resident, Loui Abu Raideh, said his family had been trapped in their home for 21 days and lived in constant fear of attacks.
“We’re not safe here. We fear for our own safety,” he said, adding that elderly people and children were among those inside.
Palestinian journalist Sara Abu al-Rob reported that Israeli soldiers and settlers had attacked six Palestinians who were attempting to install metal bars and window protection on their homes. She said settlers continued throwing stones and incendiary materials at houses in the area.
Qusra Mayor Abdel Azim Wadi said Israeli forces had attempted to arrest the Palestinians who were under siege rather than protecting them.
Israeli forces have declared the area a closed military zone and restricted Palestinians from entering or leaving. A gate has also been installed at the main entrance to Qusra, forcing residents and visitors to use alternative routes that are frequently blocked.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military erected three additional roadblocks around Ras al-Ain hill, further isolating homes from the surrounding area.
The Israeli military said on Saturday that its forces had responded to reports of “violent clashes” involving Israeli rioters in Qusra. It said the settlers were removed from the home and their vehicles confiscated, adding that troops would remain in the area to prevent further disturbances.
Settler attacks on Palestinian homes, businesses and farmland have occurred for decades as Israeli settlements have expanded across the occupied West Bank. According to Al Jazeera, such attacks have intensified since Israel launched its war in Gaza in October 2023 following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: