The United States is pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to publicly condemn Israeli settlers accused of besieging Palestinian families inside their homes in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra, according to U.S. and Israeli officials cited by Reuters.
The pressure comes after nearly a week of escalating tensions in Qusra, south of Nablus, where settlers established an unauthorized outpost near three Palestinian homes around Aug. 9 or 10.
Residents say the settlers blocked roads and entrances, disrupted water and electricity supplies and restricted their ability to leave their properties or receive assistance.
Israeli settlers walk through an open field in Beit Sahur, south of Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine, Aug. 14, 2026. (AFP Photo)
The United Nations said about 15 Palestinians, including two children, were trapped inside the homes without running water or electricity. Families described dwindling supplies of food and water, fear and isolation, with some relying on well water, temporary solar power and sporadic aid deliveries.
