Aid Still Reaches Palestinians Besieged by Israeli Settlers in Qusra
A number of activists attempted to deliver aid to Palestinian residents who have been under siege by Israeli settlers in Qusra, near Nablus, in the West Bank, for nearly a week on Friday (14/8). The action took place as Israeli occupation forces were again deployed to the area that has become a flashpoint of tension.
Israeli settlers began blockading several Palestinian homes in Qusra since last Sunday. Residents said they have struggled to obtain food and basic necessities during the blockade.
On Friday morning, a number of settlers remained at the site. Dozens of activists then moved towards the homes carrying Palestinian flags, posters reading ‘Justice for All’, and aid for the affected families. The aid brought included drinking water, other beverages, and snacks.
The aid was placed near the gate of one of the homes guarded by heavily armed Israeli security forces. The Israeli military said the aid would be inspected first before being allowed into the house.
The siege in Qusra drew sharper attention from the United States. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who for years has been known as a supporter of Israel, now condemned the action. He described the actions of those carrying out the siege as an attempt to intimidate and harass.
‘There is no excuse for such thuggish behaviour,’ Huckabee said. ‘The actions of those who carried out this horrific terror act to intimidate and harass that family are utterly disgusting,’ he said.
One of the homes under siege is known to be owned by an American citizen. The Israeli military on Thursday said its troops had been deployed in Qusra to protect residents and maintain security in the area. The military presence came amid debate over who should handle law enforcement against Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
Israeli Defence Minister Katz said he had ordered the military to prepare a plan to transfer all civil law enforcement against West Bank settlers to the Israeli police. Katz said the Israeli military should focus on security threats rather than handling legal violations committed by settlers.
The plan has raised broader concerns about the future of the West Bank. If implemented, the transfer of civil law enforcement authority to the Israeli police is seen as a potential step towards annexation of the Palestinian territory.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. A number of ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government have openly called for annexation of all or part of the territory. Currently, because the West Bank has the status of occupied territory, law enforcement authority over settlers rests with the Israeli military.