Israeli settlers attack Palestinian house in West Bank village of Kusra

Emergency services in the village of Kusra. Source: Majdi Mohammed/AP/dpa

For weeks, a village in the West Bank has been under pressure from radical settlers. Now, violence has erupted again, with dozens reportedly barricading themselves inside a Palestinian home. Accounts of the incident differ sharply between the two sides.

Incident Details

In the village of Kusra, which has been besieged by Israeli settlers for weeks, fresh violence broke out. The Israeli army confirmed that dozens of Israeli rioters barricaded themselves inside a Palestinian house while Palestinian residents were also present. Reports indicate violent confrontations, including stone-throwing at Palestinians.

The army issued a statement saying:

"The security forces that arrived at the scene initially took action against the rioters to remove them from the house and separate the groups. This was to protect the residents inside the house."

Vehicles belonging to the Israeli rioters were confiscated, handed over to the Israeli police along with other evidence, and are to be examined as part of police investigations against the suspects.

Palestinian Account

Palestinian media reported a different version of events, claiming that settlers were protected by soldiers during the attacks. Several Palestinians were injured by pepper spray used by the settlers. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that additional settlers arrived during the incident and set fire to surrounding fields owned by Palestinians.

Background

In Kusra, radical settlers have been besieging several houses of Palestinian residents for three weeks. According to residents and activists, the Israeli army has so far not intervened effectively.

Political Response

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence, stating:

"I condemn in the strongest terms the criminal acts of violence committed by a handful of lawbreakers. They cause great harm to the law-abiding settler population, hinder the Israeli army in fulfilling its duties, and damage Israel's reputation in the world."

He said he expects the relevant authorities to hold the rioters accountable as quickly as possible.

International Reaction

In recent weeks, the United States has strongly condemned settler violence, particularly in connection with Kusra, and according to media reports, has demanded more decisive action from Israel.

Source: dpa/nw