Kathmandu— Israeli settlers are currently besieging three Palestinian families in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra, blocking access to water and electricity and preventing the delivery of essential supplies. The siege began on Sunday and has left residents trapped inside their homes, fearing for their safety and running low on resources. Residents report that Israeli soldiers initially failed to intervene effectively, with some alleging they even appeared to sympathize with the settlers. The situation is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence and land seizures in the West Bank.

Families Trapped, Supplies Dwindling

Aisha Abu Rida, one of the residents under siege, stated that settlers blocked all entrances to her home four days ago. “We are surrounded by settlers, but we are steadfast,” she said, adding that despite the lack of water and electricity, they intend to remain in their home. Loai Ridi, an American-Palestinian whose brother Qusai Abu Rida and nephew Ahmed are among those trapped, explained from the United States that his family is relying on a temporary solar power system and leftover winter well water after supply lines were severed.

Allegations of Military Inaction

Ridi claims Israeli forces did little to help when his brother initially called for assistance on Sunday. He further alleges that footage circulating on social media shows soldiers kneeling to pray alongside the settlers at the scene. “They basically did nothing,” he said, adding that even after additional troops arrived and dismantled a settler tent, they were unable to evacuate the group. The Israeli military stated it would deploy an additional infantry battalion to the area in an effort to strengthen order and prevent further incidents.

Escalating Violence and Land Seizures

The siege of Qusra follows a similar two-week blockade in the neighboring village of Jalud in July, which resulted in two Palestinian families being forced off their land. The situation is occurring amidst increased violence and land seizures by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, with over 500,000 Israelis living in settlements considered illegal under international law alongside roughly three million Palestinians. Breaking the Silence, an Israeli rights group, stated on X that settler “daily terror” would be impossible without the support of the Israeli army.

UN Warns of ‘Breaking Point’

The United Nations has warned that the situation in the occupied West Bank has reached a “breaking point.” According to UN figures, 76 Palestinians, including 18 children, have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the territory this year. Approximately 3,800 Palestinians, nearly half of them children, have also been displaced due to settler violence, demolitions, and evictions. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, reported over 1,430 settler attacks resulting in casualties or property damage across roughly 260 Palestinian communities in 2026, often carried out in the presence of Israeli forces.

Settlement Expansion Fuels Tensions

Alakbarov also noted that Israeli authorities have advanced or approved approximately 12,360 settlement housing units in the West Bank this year, including over 5,160 in occupied East Jerusalem. He warned that these developments are reshaping the territory, weakening Palestinian governance and advancing “de facto annexation.” Peace Now, an Israeli settlement watchdog, reports there are currently 146 illegal settlements and a further 390 smaller outposts in the West Bank.

The situation in Qusra remains tense as of Wednesday evening, with residents continuing to appeal for intervention from both Israeli authorities and the international community. The long-term implications of these ongoing sieges and land seizures remain uncertain.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.