IDF declares closed military zone in villages where Jewish rioters seized Palestinian homes: 'Strongly condemn'

The IDF confirmed this evening that Jewish rioters laid siege to Palestinian homes in the villages of Qusra and Jalud, and declared the area a closed military zone. The rioters infiltrated the compound inside a military ambulance. The army condemned the activity as illegal and despicable. Residents report a complete closure without electricity and water, and alleged cooperation of soldiers with the rioters.

The IDF confirmed this evening (Tuesday) that Jewish rioters laid siege to Palestinian homes in the villages of Qusra and Jalud, and declared the area a closed military zone. An investigation of the incident in Qusra revealed that the rioters infiltrated the compound inside a military ambulance that had been summoned by the residents. IDF forces arriving at the scene broke through the barrier set up by the rioters. "This is illegal, despicable, and invalid activity that harms the villagers and their way of life," the army said in a statement. Yesterday it was reported that the residents, including a family with two young girls, are under a complete closure, without access to electricity and water, in order to "force them to abandon the house." Additionally, they say that soldiers who were called to the scene cooperated with the rioters and did not act to end the siege. Col. (res.) Doron Meinert, one of the leaders of the organization "Looking at the Occupation in the Eyes," said: "A few days ago, the settlers, with the backing of the army, abused the residents of that house because they dared to build a fence. They made them stand for hours with their hands raised. The next morning, at dawn, soldiers of the regional brigade arrested two of them, held them bound for four hours, and then brought them to the police, who released them after a short interrogation on the grounds that they had committed no offense."