2 weeks ago
Israeli troops hold positions in settler-besieged West Bank homes
Something upsetting happened in a small village called Qusra, in a place called the West Bank.
Some families could not leave their homes because people called settlers blocked the road and put up a tent outside.
The settlers also cut off the water and electricity, which made life very hard for the families inside.
A group called the United Nations said about fifteen people, including two children, were stuck in their homes.
Soldiers from the Israeli army arrived and stayed near the homes.
The soldiers said they were there to keep people safe and that the families would stay in their homes.
Some relatives of the families live very far away and were worried and scared.
An important American official named Mike Huckabee said the settlers did something wrong and even criminal.
Many people have different ideas about what should happen on this land, and it has been a big disagreement for a very long time.
Everyone hopes the families in Qusra will be safe and can live freely.
Israeli troops took positions inside three Palestinian homes in Qusra on Thursday, a day after tear gas failed to remove settlers who had besieged the homes since the weekend.
The settlers cut off road access, electricity and water; the UN said about 15 Palestinians, including two children, were trapped inside with no water or electricity.
The Israeli military said soldiers were deployed to protect residents and maintain security, and that Qusra residents will remain in their homes; operations may last until Sunday.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee said Israeli forces acted at Washington's request 'to remove the Israeli terrorists doing this,' calling their actions criminal.
Palestinians say the siege aims to force families off their land; the West Bank is home to about three million Palestinians and 500,000 settlers.
- Who
- Israeli troops, Jewish settlers and Palestinian families in Qusra; US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and the UN also weighed in.
- What
- Israeli troops took positions inside three Palestinian homes in Qusra after settlers besieged the homes, cutting off road access, electricity and water.
- Where
- Qusra village in the occupied West Bank, an area under complete Israeli security control.
- When
- Thursday, August 13; the settler siege began over the weekend, and operations may last until Sunday.
- Why
- The military says it deployed soldiers to protect residents and maintain security; Palestinians say the siege is aimed at forcing families from their land.
Critics of the settler siege
Israeli military and government stance
Purpose of the troop deployment
Critics of the settler siege
Palestinians and relatives say the siege and troop presence aim to force families off their land; Loui Ridi said they need protection and supplies, not just words.
Israeli military and government stance
The Israeli military says soldiers were deployed to protect residents and maintain security, and that Qusra residents will remain in their homes.
Assessment of settler actions
Critics of the settler siege
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the settlers 'Israeli terrorists' and said their actions against the family's home are 'criminal'; Palestinian families report property damage, stone-throwing and insults.
Israeli military and government stance
The military says it deployed tear gas in an attempt to remove the settlers, is taking disciplinary action against soldiers who joined settlers in prayer, and sent more troops for defensive missions.
West Bank settlement policy
Critics of the settler siege
Palestinians say Israeli authorities allow settlers to seize land and resources across the West Bank with impunity, and that the siege is aimed at forcing them from their land.
Israeli military and government stance
The right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spearheaded rapid expansion of settlements in the West Bank, emboldening settlers.
Key facts
- Location
- Qusra village, occupied West Bank
- Date
- Thursday, Aug 13; siege began over the weekend
- Homes affected
- 3 Palestinian homes under settler siege; troops held positions in all three by Thursday evening
- People trapped
- About 15 Palestinians, including two children, according to the UN
- Conditions
- Road access, electricity and water cut off; families running low on supplies
- Military statement
- Soldiers deployed to protect residents and maintain security; residents will remain in their homes
- US reaction
- Ambassador Mike Huckabee: forces sent 'at our request to remove the Israeli terrorists doing this'; actions 'criminal'
- West Bank population
- About 3 million Palestinians and 500,000 settlers; 146 settlements and 390 outposts (Peace Now)
Quotes
Loui Ridi
Palestinian-American with a brother besieged in Qusra
“It is terrifying, frustration, fear of my family for their lives”
theprint.in
Mike Huckabee
U.S. Ambassador to Israel
“The actions of those doing this to this family’s home is criminal”
theprint.in
Sources
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