Palestinian American Returns to Besieged Home in West Bank

QUSRA, West Bank — Loui Ridi, a Palestinian-American landlord from Ohio, recently faced challenges involving his besieged home in the West Bank village of Qusra. Israeli settlers surrounded the property for over a week, preventing residents from leaving. Ridi traveled to the area to join family members defending the home.

The situation remains tense as groups of settlers persistently surround several Palestinian houses. The United States has criticized the siege. Israeli military troops are present, claiming to maintain order.

Violence has surged in the West Bank recently. Settlers, encouraged by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, have intensified attacks on Palestinian communities. Reports indicate they have been harassing residents and setting ablaze homes, mosques, and fields. Palestinian health officials report 87 Palestinians have died this year due to actions by Israeli soldiers and settlers. In contrast, Palestinians have killed three Israelis, including two during clashes in the village of Tell last month.

Upon Ridi’s arrival in Israel, video footage by his brother showed settlers near Qusra driving ATVs and conversing with soldiers. Ridi had previously monitored these unsettling scenes remotely through his home’s security cameras. He expressed distress over the inability to prevent potential looting while he watched from afar.

“I’ve been watching this live for many days and now this is the second week. I can’t sleep,” he told reporters at Israel’s main international airport. “I can’t let the settlers steal my house while I was watching.”

Ridi arrived in Qusra on Monday evening, meeting his mother and sister before going to his home. His brother, Qusai Abu Rida, and his teenage son remained in the home to guard against threats.

Despite hopes for change, Ridi reported little progress since the siege began. His brother’s footage indicated continued friendly interactions between soldiers and settlers. The area where Ridi’s house is located has been declared a closed military zone by Israel.

“I should be able to go to my house freely, anytime I want,” Ridi stated. “It is a frustration and a nightmare for the entire family.”