Kathmandu— United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has condemned a days-long siege of Palestinian homes by Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Qusra as an “act of terror.” The blockade, which began near Nablus, has cut off three Palestinian families – including one with dual US citizenship – from food, water, electricity and other critical supplies. Huckabee, typically a staunch ally of Israel, made the unusually critical comments on Thursday after reports emerged detailing the settlers’ actions to seize land, while Israeli forces attempted to intervene.

Siege Conditions and Resident Accounts

Palestinian residents report being completely cut off from essential resources during the siege, describing it as a deliberate attempt by settlers to force them off their land. Loai Ridi, an American-Palestinian whose brother Qusai Abu Rida and nephew Ahmed are trapped in one of the homes, explained that his family is relying on limited solar power and winter well water after supply lines were severed. “He [Qusai Abu Rida] does not want to leave the home,” Ridi said from Toledo, Ohio, “Because if he leaves the home, the settlers will take over immediately.” Aisha Abu Rida, a Palestinian besieged in Qusra, vowed to remain in her home despite the circumstances.

Military Intervention and Outpost Removal

Israeli forces attempted to remove the settlers on Thursday following an initial failed effort the day prior. The settlers have fortified their positions with rocks and tents, remaining in the area as of Thursday morning. Huckabee also stated that Israeli authorities responded to a request from the US embassy “to remove the Israeli terrorists doing this,” sharing footage appearing to show Israeli tanks entering Qusra. Israel’s military confirmed it dismantled two nearby “illegal outposts” near Qusra and Jalud, confiscating equipment and detaining one Israeli.

Escalating Violence and Settlement Expansion

The siege of Qusra is part of a broader pattern of violence against Palestinians and their property in the occupied West Bank. Israeli settlers regularly attack Palestinian communities, sometimes with what observers say is tacit support from Israeli forces. This violence has intensified in recent months alongside increased settlement construction under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government. The village of Qusra itself has been targeted recently, including the burning of a newly built mosque last month. A similar siege in the neighboring village of Jalud in July resulted in two Palestinian families being forced off their land.

West Bank Area B and International Law

Qusra is located in Area B of the occupied West Bank, which grants Palestinians civil administration while Israel maintains security control. More than 500,000 Israelis reside in settlements throughout the occupied West Bank, considered illegal under international law, alongside approximately three million Palestinians. Israel has occupied the territory since 1967.

The situation in Qusra remains tense as Israeli forces continue to monitor the area and settlers remain present. The US embassy continues to advocate for the safety of American citizens affected by the siege.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.