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Some 15 settlers enter Kusra despite IDF closure, Palestinian residents report feeling threatened

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Jewish settlers entered the Palestinian village of Kusra in the West Bank despite an IDF closure, prompting Palestinian residents to report feeling threatened.
  • The IDF is investigating its response to the incident, including why it took 48 hours to evacuate an illegal outpost and why soldiers' use of force was limited.
  • Tensions escalated after settlers clashed with soldiers during the evacuation of a settler outpost, leading to concerns about future attacks on Palestinian homes.

Palestinian residents of Kusra in the West Bank reported feeling threatened by Jewish extremists after approximately 15 settlers entered the village on Saturday, defying an IDF closure.

The army and the police are a few meters from here at a house under siege. You can see them in civilian clothes walking around and making their presence felt.

— Marmar OdehA local resident describing the presence of settlers and security forces in Kusra.

The IDF declared the area a closed military zone, but residents told KAN News that settlers, some in civilian clothes, were still present and making their presence felt. Local resident Marmar Odeh expressed concern that settlers would intensify attacks on Palestinian homes if the IDF withdrew.

They are still in the area. They are hiding, coming out from all kinds of places.

— Marmar OdehA local resident expressing ongoing concern about the presence of settlers in Kusra.

Tensions in the village began earlier in the week, escalating Wednesday when settlers physically clashed with IDF soldiers after security forces evacuated a settler outpost. Footage showed extremists dismantling fences and blocking roads. The IDF is now probing its own conduct, including the 48-hour delay in evacuating the outpost and the limited force used by troops, as well as the evacuation of Palestinian families.

This was a serious incident, and it will be investigated.

— IDF spokespersonResponding to questions about the IDF's handling of the incident in Kusra.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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