Palestinian American returns to West Bank home besieged by Israeli settlers

Loui Ridi, a Palestinian American from Ohio, returned to his besieged home in the West Bank village of Qusra on Monday, joining family members who have been defending the property for over a week.

The standoff, which has seen groups of Israeli settlers surround several Palestinian houses and prevent residents from leaving, has drawn condemnation from the United States. Israeli military forces have been deployed to the area, with soldiers reportedly interacting amicably with the settlers.

Ridi expressed his fear for his safety and that of his brother and nephew, who have remained inside the home. Video footage showed settlers driving ATVs and speaking with soldiers near Qusra. Ridi arrived at his home late Monday, noting little had changed since the siege began, with settlers still visible and soldiers present.

The village is located southeast of Nablus, and the neighborhood where Ridi's home is situated was declared a closed military zone by Israel last week. Violence in the West Bank has escalated significantly in recent months, with Palestinian health officials reporting that Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed 87 Palestinians this year, while Palestinians have killed three Israelis.

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I'm terrified for my brother and his son and their safety. And now I'm going to have to fear for my own safety.