Israeli forces block activists from reaching Palestinian families besieged in Qusra

What happened

Al Jazeera reports that Israeli forces have blocked Israeli and foreign activists from reaching about 15 Palestinians, including two children, trapped in three homes besieged by settlers in the Ras al-Ain area of Qusra, south of Nablus, for nearly a week. The activists were attempting to deliver food and water, but Israeli forces declared the area a closed military zone and restricted access.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The Palestinian news agency Wafa and Al Jazeera’s correspondent Laith Jaar report that settlers began surrounding the homes earlier this week, blocking roads, erecting a nearby tent, and cutting off water and electricity supplies. The United Nations has described the trapped families as being in a state of terror and unable to meet basic needs.

Israeli forces reportedly forced out Italian activists who had earlier reached the homes, and removed attempts by settlers to erect an outpost near the properties. The residents refused evacuation orders, gathering in one home to avoid potential takeover of their houses if deserted. Qusra has been noted by the UN as a hotspot for settler violence in the northern occupied West Bank.

Known from the source

• About 15 Palestinians, including two children, are trapped in three homes in Qusra, Ras al-Ain area, West Bank.
• The homes are surrounded by settlers who have blocked roads and cut off water and electricity supplies.
• Israeli forces have declared the area a closed military zone and prevented activists from reaching the trapped families.
• Israeli forces forced out Italian activists and stopped Israeli group Peace Now members from reaching the homes.
• The United Nations reported that the trapped families are unable to attend to basic needs and are in a state of terror.

What remains unclear

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered preparation to transfer civilian law enforcement responsibility over settlers in the West Bank from the military to the Israeli police. Political scientist Ibrahim Rabaia told Al Jazeera that this move appears politically motivated and questioned its effectiveness, citing concerns about police alignment with settler interests under National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of the current status of access to the besieged homes and any changes since the report. Confirmation of details regarding the transfer of enforcement responsibility from military to police and the scope of this change. Independent verification of claims about settlers erecting tents or attempts to establish outposts near the homes.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Gaza. Open the source.