Ohio resident Loui Ridi, a Palestinian American, traveled to the West Bank on Monday to stand with his family at a home in the village of Qusra that has been under siege by Israeli settlers for over a week. The standoff began early last week when groups of settlers surrounded several Palestinian houses, preventing residents from leaving the area.
The United States publicly condemned the siege, and the Israeli military deployed troops, saying they were there to maintain order. Video taken by Ridi’s brother shows settlers riding ATVs and speaking with soldiers near the village.
Family on the Front Line
Ridi, who arrived at Israel’s main international airport, expressed deep concern for his brother, nephew and their safety. “I’m terrified for my brother and his son and their safety,” he told reporters, adding that he now feared for his own safety as well.
After landing, Ridi flew to Israel and then entered the Qusra area late Monday night. While waiting for Israeli forces to escort him to the outskirts of the village, he observed that little had changed since the siege began. The footage his brother posted continued to show soldiers interacting cordially with settlers rather than detaining them.
When Ridi finally reached the property, he was greeted by his brother and teenage nephew, who have been staying inside to protect the house. Ridi stepped out of his car holding an American flag while settlers remained visible on the home’s security cameras.
Broader Context
The village of Qusra lies about 10 miles southeast of Nablus. Israeli authorities declared the neighborhood around Ridi’s home a closed military zone last week. According to Palestinian health officials, Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed 87 Palestinians so far this year, while Palestinians have killed three Israelis, including two in the West Bank village of Tell last month.
The surge in violence follows a period of increased attacks by settlers, who, according to observers, have been emboldened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right‑wing government. Settlers have been reported to harass residents, set homes, mosques and fields on fire, and block movement in several villages.
The U.S. State Department has called the settlement‑related violence “unacceptable” and urged all parties to de‑escalate. Israeli military officials maintain that troops are present to keep order, though critics argue the forces have not intervened to stop the settlers’ actions.
Ridi’s return highlights the personal impact of the broader conflict on diaspora families who maintain ties to the West Bank. His presence underscores the challenges faced by Palestinians living under settlement pressure and the diplomatic complexities surrounding U.S. citizens caught in the dispute.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
