UN, Palestinians Condemn West Bank Siege

The UN rights office and Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned a days-long siege by Israeli settlers in Qusra, West Bank, where about 15 people, including two children, were trapped without electricity or water as attackers tried to force displacement. The UN called the actions criminal and aimed at pushing residents off their land, while Palestinian officials described the conduct as terroristic and coordinated with Israeli authorities. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee rebuked the settlers, calling the actions horrific and saying Israeli forces dismantled two illegal outposts and removed at least one Israeli at the United States’ request, with troops remaining to maintain security. Despite some evacuations, many homes remained besieged and residents could not access food, water, or medical supplies. Israel says it is conducting operations to dismantle outposts and secure the area, though critics say the response has not halted settlement-driven pressure. The incident has drawn unusually strong international attention amid broader West Bank tensions.