ISRAELI settlers have trapped two Palestinian families in their homes in the occupied West Bank.
The Abu Ridi and Hassan families, who live on the outskirts of the village of Qusra, south of Nablus, have been appealing for help since Sunday after their water and power supplies were cut off by settlers.
Videos shared on social media show around a dozen Israeli security vehicles in the village, including a bulldozer.
For five consecutive days, Israeli settler terrorists are surrounding the home of an American citizen in the Palestinian village of Qusra in the occupied West Bank, leaving the family trapped inside their own home. Yes, the owner of this house is an American citizen. For five… pic.twitter.com/iaPyeISGzj
— Ihab Hassan (@IhabHassane) August 12, 2026
Footage also shows a long line of Israeli security forces making their way towards the Palestinian village, which is a closed military zone.
According to local media reports, a nearby Israeli settler outpost has been demolished.
The BBC now reports that the Israeli military is set to deploy additional troops to the area after failing to force away the settlers.
When the first Israeli security forces came to the site, it is understood they prayed with the settlers. The Israeli military has said that the soldiers will be disciplined as a result.
The stated aim of the settlers is to empty the area of its Palestinian residents.
Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and have been condemned by the UN security council.
Yet Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, previously said that the settlements would remain, saying that the security council "must understand a simple truth: We are not going anywhere."
It comes after a top UN official told the security council on Tuesday that "the West Bank is at breaking point".
Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN's deputy special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, said that "settler violence has reached unprecedented levels".
Meanwhile, the UK Government is set to announce a ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, according to reports.
The Middle East Eye (MEE) has revealed that ministers are poised to announce a number of new policies following the summer recess.
