Israeli Troops Reinforce West Bank Village Amid Settler Standoff

The Israeli military has deployed additional troops to the West Bank village of Kusra after Jewish settlers blocked access to three Palestinian homes, in what residents say is an attempt to force the families from their land.

According to residents and the United Nations, the standoff began over the weekend when settlers blocked the access road, erected a tent outside the homes and prevented people from entering or leaving. The families also say their electricity and water supplies were cut. The UN estimates that about 15 Palestinians, including two children, remain trapped inside.

The Israeli military said it was working to disperse the settlers after an earlier attempt using tear gas failed. It also announced disciplinary action after video footage appeared to show several soldiers praying alongside settlers during the incident.

The families say they have run out of food and medicine and accuse the settlers of damaging their property and throwing stones at their homes. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the settlers' actions as criminal and said Israeli security forces intervened following a request from the United States.

(Reuters, bak)