Activists attempt to deliver supplies to Palestinians under settler siege

Activists attempted to deliver much-needed supplies to Palestinians under a week-long settler siege in Qusra, a village in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military was deployed at the flashpoint site as settlers began blockading Palestinian homes on Sunday, reportedly cutting off residents from food and other necessities. Attempts by the military to remove the settlers have so far been defied.

An AFP journalist observed settlers at the site, though they later dispersed. A group of activists marched towards the blockaded houses carrying a Palestinian flag and signs reading "Justice for All." They brought donations, including water, drinks, and snacks, which were dropped near the houses where Israeli security forces were stationed. The military stated they would inspect the supplies before allowing them to residents who were visible on a balcony.

The siege has prompted unusually strong criticism from the United States. Concurrently, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced instructions for the military to prepare a plan for transferring the enforcement of civilian matters concerning West Bank settlers to the Israeli police. This potential move is viewed by some as a step toward the annexation of Palestinian territory.

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The IDF's role is to fight Palestinian terrorism and focus on defending borders and communities against threats. All responsibility for enforcing civil matters and maintaining law and order will be transferred to police responsibility.

Katz stated, "The IDF's role is to fight Palestinian terrorism and focus on defending borders and communities against threats. All responsibility for enforcing civil matters and maintaining law and order will be transferred to police responsibility." He reportedly added that the military's duty was not to "chase boys on the hilltops," seemingly referring to rogue settlers. However, Israeli media suggest such a transfer of powers is unlikely before national elections scheduled for October 27.

Yesterday, the Israeli military confirmed troops were deployed in Qusra "to protect the residents and maintain security in the area." The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities of civilian and military responsibilities in the occupied West Bank.

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The military's responsibility was not to "chase boys on the hilltops"