Palestinian-American heads to Qusra as Israeli settlers encircle family home

Palestinian‑American activist Loui Ridi is traveling from the United States to the West Bank village of Qusra, where Israeli settlers have surrounded his family’s home with barriers and patrols. The flight, scheduled for later this week, marks Ridi’s first return to the area since the settlement expansion began in early 2024, and he says his purpose is to document the situation and support his relatives who have been cut off from basic services.

Human rights groups and local authorities report that the encirclement, which includes makeshift fences and a continuous presence of settler volunteers, has restricted access to water, electricity and medical care for the Ridi household and neighboring residents. Israeli officials have not commented on the specific incident, while the Palestinian Ministry of Interior has called for the removal of the barriers and the restoration of freedom of movement. Ridi’s arrival is expected to draw international attention to the dispute, highlighting ongoing tensions over settlement activity in the occupied territories.