Israeli settlers besieging Palestinian families in West Bank village

What Happened

Since Sunday, approximately a dozen Israeli settlers have besieged the Abu Ridi and Hassan families in their homes in the village of Qusra, near Nablus, in the occupied West Bank. The settlers blocked access to the properties, cut off water and power supplies, and damaged infrastructure, including tearing down a wall to obstruct the road. While the IDF initially faced criticism for failing to intervene—with reports of soldiers praying with settlers and blocking journalists—the military later deployed forces to the site on Wednesday. Maj Gen Avi Bluth, head of the IDF Central Command, visited the area to address the situation, leading to confrontations between security forces and settlers involving tear gas and stun grenades. The IDF stated it is working to evacuate the remaining civilians and will pursue disciplinary action against personnel documented failing to act earlier in the week.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The incident in Qusra reflects a broader trend of rising settler violence in the West Bank, which the UN reports has reached unprecedented levels. The displacement of Palestinian communities through settler outposts and intimidation tactics exacerbates regional instability, particularly in the Nablus Governorate, and highlights the ongoing friction regarding security control in Area B.

Watch For

Monitor the outcome of the IDF's promised disciplinary actions against the security personnel involved and whether the settlers are fully removed from the Qusra site. Additionally, track further UN reporting on displacement figures in the West Bank, as the UN has noted a significant increase in Palestinian communities being forced from their homes due to settler activity and demolitions throughout 2024.