US ambassador condemns siege of Qusra village in West Bank

Washington’s top diplomat in Israel, Ambassador Thomas Nides, publicly denounced a “violent siege” imposed on residents of the West Bank village of Qusra, marking one of the few instances the United States has directly criticized Israeli security actions in the occupied territories. The statement, released on Tuesday, came after reports that Israeli forces had surrounded the village, cut off access to basic services and used force against families attempting to leave their homes.

According to local officials and humanitarian groups, the operation began on Monday when soldiers entered Qusra to enforce a demolition order on several structures deemed illegal by Israeli authorities. Residents said they were confined to a limited area, faced curfews, and were subjected to tear‑gas and stun‑grenade deployments when they protested the demolition. The siege affected roughly 30 households, with at least two injuries reported. Israeli military spokespeople defended the action as a lawful enforcement of court rulings, while the Palestinian Authority condemned the measures as collective punishment.

Ambassador Nides’ condemnation underscores growing international scrutiny of Israeli policies in the West Bank and may influence forthcoming diplomatic engagements between Washington and Jerusalem. The United States has called for the protection of civilians and the restoration of normal life in Qusra, urging both sides to de‑escalate tensions while broader negotiations on settlement activity and security continue.