Two Palestinian families in the occupied West Bank have appealed for protection after Israeli settlers reportedly surrounded their homes, cutting off access to essential supplies and leaving residents fearful for their safety.
The families, living in the village of Qusra near Nablus, say their homes have been under siege since Sunday. They reported disruptions to their water and electricity supplies, while food stocks were also running low.
The situation has renewed concerns over the safety of Palestinian homes and property rights in parts of the West Bank, where tensions between Palestinian residents and Israeli settlers have escalated.
According to reports, settlers erected barriers around the properties and used stones taken from a wall outside one of the homes to block access. Residents said the restrictions left several people, including children, effectively trapped inside their homes.
One of the affected residents, Qusay Abu Ridi, described the situation as critical, saying his family was isolated and simply wanted to remain safely in their own home.
Another resident, Aysha Hassan, said settlers attempted to force their way through the entrance to the family home while also throwing stones and verbally abusing those inside.
The families’ appeals prompted calls from human rights organisations for Israeli security authorities to intervene and protect the residents.
A Palestinian ambulance was eventually allowed to reach the area, bringing food supplies and taking a child away for medical treatment.
Israeli security forces later moved into the area following confrontations with settlers. Reports said tear gas and stun grenades were used as security personnel attempted to clear the newly established settler outpost.
The Israeli military has condemned the occupation of Palestinian homes, describing the seizure of properties and establishment of the outpost as illegal and unacceptable. It also said disciplinary measures would be taken against security personnel who were documented interacting with settlers at the site.
The incident comes amid growing concern over displacement in the West Bank. United Nations officials have warned that settler violence, demolitions and evictions are forcing increasing numbers of Palestinians from their homes and communities.
UN figures indicate that thousands of Palestinians have been displaced in recent years, with children making up a significant proportion of those affected.
Qusra has also experienced previous incidents of violence. Local authorities say a mosque in the village was recently set on fire, while another Palestinian family in the area reportedly lost control of its home following a prolonged confrontation with settlers.
The latest incident has therefore placed renewed attention on the broader issue of housing security, property rights and forced displacement in the West Bank.
For the families involved, however, the immediate concern remains simple: the ability to remain safely in their homes and on their land.
