Huckabee calls Israeli settlers ‘terrorists’: Can US push end Qusra siege? | Human Rights News
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Condemns Settler Violence in Qusra
Mike Huckabee, the United States ambassador to Israel, has described Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Qusra as “Israeli terrorists” for their siege of three Palestinian families. This statement marks a significant departure from traditional U.S. diplomacy on Israeli settler violence.
The siege, which has occurred as Israeli military operations intensify in the region, particularly in nearby Jenin, has reportedly left residents without access to water, electricity, and other essential supplies. Huckabee’s comments came on Thursday as Israeli settlers surrounded the homes of three families, one of which includes a dual U.S. citizen.
In a post on social media platform X, Huckabee stated, “Actions by those who carried out this horrific act of terror meant to intimidate and harass this family are disgusting. No excuse for such thuggish behavior.” He further noted that the U.S. embassy is actively involved in requesting the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and police to intervene in the situation.
The families, totaling 15 individuals including two children, have remained confined to their homes since Sunday. They have begun relying on a temporary solar power system and leftover water from previous winters as supplies have been cut off.
Palestinian residents have voiced concerns that the siege is part of a broader settler strategy to seize their land. Loai Ridi, an American-Palestinian whose brother and nephew are among the besieged, emphasized fears that leaving their home would result in immediate takeover by settlers.
The United Nations Human Rights Office and the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have condemned the actions of the settlers, categorizing them as criminal acts supported by Israel, the occupying power. The UN organization stated that such actions are designed to force Palestinian families from their homes and land.
Israeli media outlets report that authorities are attempting to manage the siege by removing the settlers, though efforts have reportedly been limited and met with mixed success. Residents remain skeptical about the intentions of the Israeli army, believing that any action taken may be superficial or staged for public perception.
Huckabee’s remarks represent a rare explicit condemnation from a U.S. ambassador, as previous statements from U.S. officials have typically refrained from labeling settler actions as terrorism. His denunciation adds a noteworthy dimension to the discussion surrounding the escalating violence and unrest in the region.
The situation in Qusra is not an isolated incident. Settler violence has surged in recent years, with reports indicating that such attacks have significantly increased amid ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The conflict has drawn attention to the broader implications of settlement activity and the challenges faced by Palestinian communities amidst expanding Israeli settlements.
