Israeli Forces Withdraw From Qusra Outpost As Settlers Besiege Two Palestinian Families

Israeli security forces have reportedly withdrawn from a Jewish settler outpost in the West Bank village of Qusra, where about a dozen settlers remain besieging two Palestinian families in their homes since Sunday. The Abu Ridi and Hassan families have been posting on social media appealing for help after their water and power supplies were cut off and their food stocks ran low. Palestinians living in Qusra shared video showing settlers and members of the Israeli military at the scene.

After the Palestinian homeowners made their initial report to the Israeli army, the first soldiers who arrived were filmed praying with the settlers. On Wednesday, Israeli security forces were reported to have withdrawn from the outpost following clashes with a crowd of extremist settlers. Rights groups have urged authorities to step in as the families said their supplies were running out.