Israel erects three roadblocks around besieged homes in West Bank's Qusra
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Israeli forces erected three new roadblocks around Palestinian homes in Qusra, West Bank, on Wednesday, tightening a siege that began August 9. The gates encircle the Ras al-Ain hill, cutting off residents from their land and neighbouring villages. The move comes despite international condemnation of the ongoing settler siege.
Key Facts
- Three new Israeli roadblocks were erected at Ras al-Ain hill in Qusra on Wednesday.
- Three homes in Qusra have been besieged by Israeli settlers since August 9.
- Loui Ridi, a Palestinian-American from Ohio, has been unable to leave his home since arriving on August 17.
- The roadblocks encircle the hilltop, disconnecting it from the area below and rendering a road linking Qusra to Talfit and Jalud ineffective.
The Roadblocks
Israeli authorities placed three new roadblocks at the Ras al-Ain hill in Qusra on Wednesday. The gates consist of large yellow and orange metal bars on concrete blocks, a common sight at West Bank village entrances. One gate was erected at the entrance of Loui Ridi's house, another near a house under construction, and a third above a house being built. Together the barriers encircle the top of the hill, disconnecting the homes from the area below.
Siege Conditions
Three homes in Qusra have been besieged by Israeli settlers since August 9, drawing global attention and condemnation. Israeli forces declared the area a closed military zone but have effectively continued the siege, with locals trapped in their homes. Loui Ridi, a Palestinian-American from Ohio, returned to Qusra to defend his property and has been unable to leave his home since August 17. Israeli soldiers are stationed outside Ridi's home, and settlers remain in the surrounding area.
Impact on Movement
The roadblocks render a road passing through the hilltop ineffective, cutting off Qusra from neighbouring villages Talfit and Jalud. Palestinians traveling into Qusra are forced to take alternative routes, which are often closed as well. Ridi said Israeli forces are preventing him and his neighbours, including a family with two little girls, from leaving and entering freely. Ridi has called on the US embassy and the international community to end the siege.
2 sources
Israel erects three roadblocks around besieged homes in West Bank's Qusra
