'This is what occupation looks like': MK Cassif says IDF tried to prevent him from entering Kusra

Hadash-Ta'al Member of Knesset (MK) Ofer Cassif stated on Friday that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops attempted to prevent him from entering the West Bank village of Kusra. Cassif alleged that the IDF was enabling settlers to establish outposts freely while restricting Palestinian access.

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I arrived today in the village of Kusra to see with my own eyes what is happening and to try to assist the besieged Palestinian families, who are being denied food, water, and medicine solely to protect a settler terror outpost that was reestablished today.

Cassif reported that upon arriving at the village entrance, he was delayed by IDF soldiers who claimed it was Area B. Shortly thereafter, the area was declared a closed military zone, which Cassif believes was specifically to impede his entry. He stated that he was only permitted to enter after approximately 20 minutes, following intervention from the Knesset Sergeant-at-Arms.

Upon entering Kusra, Cassif met with local families. He described the situation as "exactly what apartheid looks like. This is exactly what occupation looks like." He vowed to continue fighting against "the terror of the occupation and for a just peace."

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At the entrance to the village, the [IDF] delayed me, claiming it was Area B. A short time later, they even declared the area a closed military zone, apparently especially for me. Only after about 20 minutes, and following the intervention of the Knesset Sergeant-at-Arms, was I allowed to enter.

The Jerusalem Post has reached out to the IDF for comment to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged closure of the military zone. This is a developing story.

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This is exactly what apartheid looks like. This is exactly what occupation looks like. We will not give up. We will continue to fight against the terror of the occupation and for a just peace.