US Ambassador Calls Settler Siege of Palestinian Homes 'Horrific Act of Terror'
FlatRigor 5135 sources
The Story
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the actions of Israeli settlers besieging three Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra as a horrific act of terror. The settlers have surrounded the homes for several days, including one owned by a Palestinian American, Lou Ridi, and have reportedly thrown stones, attempted to bring down a stone wall, and prevented occupants from leaving despite dwindling supplies. Israeli troops intervened, dismantling two illegal outposts near the homes and detaining one Israeli. The military stated troops will not operate in the home of the Palestinian family. Qusai Abu Rida, Lou Ridi's brother, stated that settlers are still present in the surroundings and the danger has not gone away. He recounted an incident where an ambulance carrying his injured niece was turned back by the army and settlers. The U.S. believes Israel is not doing enough to prevent settler violence, according to a senior White House official. The Israeli military chief of staff ordered an additional infantry battalion to reinforce the sector. Senior settler leaders, including Yisrael Ganz of the Yesha Council, publicly denounced the violence, calling it not our way and warning of irreversible damage to Israel and the settlement movement. Ganz stated there is no justification for violence against uninvolved Palestinians or Israeli security forces.
The Spread
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What they agree on
- Israeli settlers have besieged three Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Qusra.
- One of the besieged homes is owned by a Palestinian American.
- The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the settler actions.
- The Israeli military intervened and dismantled illegal outposts.
- Senior settler leaders have denounced the violence.
Where they split
- Sources provide differing accounts of the number of settlers involved, with one mentioning "several dozen" and another "up to dozens of men."
- The exact number of people killed or injured in the incidents is not consistently reported, with some sources focusing on the siege and others mentioning broader escalations of violence.
- The timeline of events and the specific actions taken by the Israeli military are presented with slight variations, including the timing of troop movements and the evacuation orders for Palestinian residents.
- The extent of the U.S. government's involvement is described differently, with the ambassador stating the embassy has been "VERY involved" and a White House official suggesting Israel is "not doing enough."
Source Perspectives
Left2 sources