Kathmandu— For nearly two weeks, fifteen Palestinians, including two children, have been besieged inside their homes in the Ras al-Ain area of Qusra, south of Nablus, cut off from food, water, and electricity. Surrounded by armed Israeli settlers and military personnel, the families are experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis as access to basic necessities is blocked. The situation has escalated despite attempts by aid organizations like UNICEF to deliver supplies, with the army intercepting convoys and preventing the entry of essential resources such as water. Reports indicate direct coordination between the Israeli military and settlers in enforcing the siege.

Aid Blocked, Basic Services Cut Off

On Sunday, the Israeli army intercepted a UNICEF convoy attempting to deliver aid to the besieged families. While food was permitted through, a water tanker was blocked and expelled, exacerbating the deprivation of basic resources. Prior to this, settlers attacked municipal workers who were trying to repair damaged utility lines, preventing the restoration of electricity and water to the affected homes. Qusra Mayor Abdel Azim Wadi described the situation as “stripped of humanity,” lamenting that the families’ rights are being disregarded.

Military Support for Settler Activity

Al Jazeera’s Laith Jaar, reporting from Qusra, witnessed what he describes as direct involvement by the Israeli army in supporting the blockade. He reported that soldiers were actively working with settlers to distance Palestinians and force them from their homes, describing “continuous siege operations” tightening the grip on residents. The military has also converted a home into a barracks and declared the area a closed military zone, preventing access for international observers and solidarity activists.

Defiance Amidst Deprivation

Despite the escalating pressure, besieged resident Qusai Abu Reida affirmed his family’s resolve to remain in their homes. “We will remain steadfast and we will remain patient,” he told Al Jazeera, stating they would endure even if it meant drinking only water and salt. He emphasized that leaving would mean abandoning the legacy of their ancestors and surrendering their land.

Pattern of Strategic Terror

Political analysts and human rights advocates believe the siege is part of a broader strategy to displace Palestinians and seize territory. Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, stated that the operation aims to expel residents and ethnically cleanse the area, sending a message to other West Bank villages. Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, described it as “coordinated and strategic settler terror” enabled by the Israeli state, noting a rapid expansion of settlements since October 2023 with over 300 new outposts established.

Unexecuted Eviction Orders

Adding to the complexity, the Israeli army has simultaneously refused to execute eviction orders against an illegal outpost established near Qusra by the Hilltop Youth militia. This outpost serves as a base of operations for the settlers currently besieging Palestinian homes in Ras al-Ain.

As of this report, the siege continues with residents remaining trapped and facing severe hardship. The situation remains volatile, raising concerns about further escalation and potential displacement.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.