Israeli settlers surround Palestinian home, set fire to land in occupied West Bank

Israeli settlers, allegedly supported by Israeli forces, have surrounded a Palestinian home in the village of Qusra, located south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. At least four Palestinians are reportedly trapped inside the residence.

In addition to trapping residents, the settlers have set fire to nearby Palestinian agricultural land. This action adds to the escalating tensions and violence that Qusra has been experiencing over the past month. Journalists on the ground reported the incidents, highlighting the precarious situation for the trapped individuals.

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We’re not allowed to live freely in and out of our houses; no one is allowed to bring us any food or visit us from family members or friends.

Coordination is reportedly underway to allow ambulances to reach the area and evacuate an injured person. Qusra has been a focal point of settler violence, with previous incidents including settlers setting fire to a mosque in July. Since August 9, settlers have also besieged three Palestinian homes in the Ras al-Ain area, cutting off essential supplies like water and electricity.

Residents describe the situation as a "nightmare," with constant fear of settler attacks. The Israeli military has declared the area a closed military zone, restricting Palestinian movement in and out of the village. New roadblocks have been erected, further isolating homes in the Ras al-Ain area. Settler attacks on Palestinian property have been a long-standing issue in the West Bank, intensifying since October 2023.

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The feeling of being trapped is a nightmare … 21 days, we can’t even sleep, we have to stay up at night [and] keep watching the security cameras, because those settlers can attack any time.