The United States ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, used particularly harsh words to condemn what is happening in Qusra, in the West Bank. Commenting on the siege of Palestinian families' homes attributed to Israeli settlers, the American diplomat called the episode a 'horrible act of terrorism,' denouncing behavior aimed, in his view, at intimidating and persecuting residents.
'There are no excuses for such violent behavior,' Huckabee wrote on X. The incident holds particular significance for Washington because one of the affected properties belongs to an American-Palestinian citizen.
According to information released by the Associated Press, the tensions concern the areas of Qusra and Jalud in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli army reported intervening to remove Israeli civilians who had illegally occupied Palestinian homes and lands. The border police also removed a tent set up near the houses and declared the area a closed military zone.
Images collected by the AP reportedly show some young people dismantling a stone wall and using the material to block access to the home of Loui Ridi, an American-Palestinian citizen. In front of some houses, furniture, mattresses, and other objects were placed to obstruct entrances. The footage shows moments of tension between settlers and Israeli soldiers, without, however, an immediate complete evacuation of the area.
Ridi, speaking by phone with the Associated Press from his home in Ohio, reported that his 48-year-old brother and teenage nephew were trapped inside the house, with difficulty accessing food and water. According to his account, the intimidation has been ongoing for months and has worsened in recent days. Ridi also reported water and electricity interruptions and damage caused by stone-throwing.
The new crisis in the West Bank comes as tensions remain high on multiple fronts. In Gaza, Hamas condemned a recent Israeli air raid that, according to Al Jazeera, resulted in one death and several injuries. The Palestinian movement claims that the operation could undermine diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting truce.
On the northern front, meanwhile, differences emerge between Washington and the Israeli government regarding the future military presence in southern Lebanon. According to the Times of Israel, the Trump administration believes that a permanent presence of Israeli forces in the area would be incompatible with the commitments outlined in the framework agreement and would not provide a solution capable of ensuring long-term stability.
A position that contrasts with that expressed by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. During a visit to forces deployed in southern Lebanon, Katz stated that Israel does not intend to withdraw from areas it considers necessary for its security in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, arguing that the military presence could continue indefinitely in the so-called 'security zones.'
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved