Rare US condemnation of settler terrorism: 'Appalling bullying'

Occupied Jerusalem – Agencies: U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee issued unprecedented criticism of settlers’ actions in the occupied West Bank to besiege Palestinian homes, one of which belongs to a Palestinian holding U.S. citizenship, while confirming that Israeli forces are again attempting to take action against them. The siege began on Sunday when settlers erected a temporary tent near homes in the town of Qusra, south of Nablus in the northern West Bank. One of these homes belongs to a Palestinian with U.S. citizenship, which prevented supplies from reaching the area, according to residents. Huckabee, one of the strongest supporters of settlers, stated that “there is no justification for such thuggish behavior.” He added in a post on the X platform: “The actions of those who carried out this terrifying intimidation campaign aimed at frightening and harassing this family are abhorrent.” Huckabee said that Israel intervened in the matter at Washington’s request. The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that its commanders patrolled the area, which had been declared a “closed military zone,” and removed the tent where settlers had been staying. However, residents reported that they remained besieged and that the settlers stayed in the area on blankets. Yesterday, the military said it sent troops to the area again overnight, dismantling two settler gatherings near the besieged homes and arresting one Israeli. Eyewitnesses said other settlers remained in the area, sitting on rocks. Aisha Hassan, from one of the besieged homes, said, “The tent was completely removed, along with the settlers’ belongings.” She added, “The settlers are still spread out in nearby areas on the adjacent hill. No one has been able to deliver food and supplies to us because the area is completely closed off by the military.” Qusra Mayor Abdul Azim Wadi said the military issued temporary evacuation orders for the besieged Palestinian homes while pursuing the settlers. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territory called on Israeli authorities to “remove the settlers who commit violence, cause the displacement of thousands of Palestinians, and illegally seize Palestinian land and expand settlements.”