Breaking the Siege on Khusra: Settlers Clash with IDF Forces and Block the Road to the Village | Documentation
The IDF began lifting a siege imposed by settlers on two houses in the village of Khusra in Area B, amid clashes with dozens of settlers who dismantled fences and blocked roads. Central Command chief Avi Bluth arrived at the scene. The organization 'Yesh Din' reported seven Palestinians besieged, including two girls, and that the settlers cut off electricity and water. The IDF said it removed a shed and is working to evacuate civilians, calling the acts illegal.
The IDF began on Wednesday to lift a siege imposed by settlers on two houses in the village of Khusra in Area B, amid clashes with dozens of settlers who arrived, dismantled fences, and blocked roads. The entire area was declared a closed military zone. Central Command chief Avi Bluth arrived, spoke with the Palestinians, and asked the settlers not to interfere with the army's efforts. The human rights organization 'Yesh Din' claimed in a letter sent yesterday to Bluth that settlers had imposed a siege on two houses in the village, and that seven Palestinians, including two girls aged ten and four, had been besieged for three days. According to the organization, the settlers cut off electricity and water pipes, and supplies of water and food are running low. It was also reported that on Sunday, residents of the outpost 'Tel Talpiot' established a new 'branch' in the form of a sukkah near the houses, and that same evening they imposed a siege, blocked access roads with stone piles, damaged electrical cables, and vandalized water pipes. Later, the IDF spokesperson said that the Central Command chief, the Judea and Samaria Division commander, and the Border Police commander toured the village and nearby outposts and spoke with the Palestinian family. According to the IDF, the family clarified that the house has electricity and water infrastructure. It was also reported that a shed was erected near the house where Israeli civilians stayed, and Border Police forces evacuated it and are working to evacuate the civilians. The commanders treated the acts with severity and ordered further steps, including disciplinary action against the force documented at the scene. The organization added that the settlers stay in the sukkah around the clock, and the besieged families cannot leave their homes for fear of attack. It was also claimed that a military force that arrived was documented praying with the attackers and leaving. The organization demanded that Bluth evacuate the outpost and take legal action against the perpetrators, describing the situation as 'total abandonment.' The IDF responded only in the evening, calling the activity 'illegal, disgraceful, and invalid,' and said all involved would be dealt with. Meanwhile, Haaretz journalist Matan Golan claimed she was attacked by settlers while covering the incident, and soldiers prevented her from reporting. The Press Council condemned the attack and called for an immediate investigation.