By August 18, 2026, Loui Ridi, a Palestinian-American living in Ohio, witnessed a siege on his home in the village of Qusra, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israeli settlers aggressively encircled his house for over a week, monitoring the situation through security cameras from afar.
Recent years have seen an increase in attacks on Palestinian homes in the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vows to establish new settler outposts and legalize more existing ones have further escalated tensions.
After a week spent witnessing the siege from Toledo, Ridi, at age 46, decided to return to his village. He traveled to Tel Aviv with the aim of reclaiming his home and reconnecting with his roots.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee labeled the settlers responsible for the unrest as “terrorists” last week, expressing a strong disapproval of their actions.
Ridi’s journey back to Qusra was closely monitored by Reuters. Upon his arrival, he observed multiple settlers and Israeli troops nearby. Despite the presence of Israeli military forces, the settlers remained, and the local Palestinians lived in fear. Ridi, accompanied by journalists, was escorted by an Israeli military vehicle to his family home. Upon reaching his house at sunset, he displayed an American flag in defiance.
“The settlers shouldn’t be here,” Ridi asserted.
Worsening Settler Violence
The international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal. Nonetheless, Netanyahu’s government, aligned with far-right elements, has supported settlement growth. This shift has emboldened settlers, leading to an increase in hostility against Palestinians.
Reports, including those from CBS News, have documented increased violence since the conflict in Gaza was reignited in October 2023.
Currently, over 500,000 Israelis reside in West Bank settlements constructed since the region came under Israeli control in 1967. These settlements coexist with a Palestinian population of around three million.
Trapped Under Siege
Ridi began building his home in Qusra on family land in 2023. He aimed to keep his daughters linked to their heritage. Ridi’s brother, Qusay, along with a nephew, have remained in the besieged home to safeguard it, facing worsening conditions.
According to the United Nations, around 15 Palestinians, including children, are trapped by settlers without essential services like water and electricity.
Ridi, upon reunifying with his family, expressed a desire to catch up with his brother and assess their situation.
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