A small group of Israeli settlers at Qusra near Nablus in the occupied West Bank began besieging Palestinians inside their homes more than a week ago, blocking supplies to the area [1]. The Israeli military has deployed troops multiple times but has taken little effective action to remove the settlers, only detaining one Israeli and dismantling tents [1]. During the standoff, some Israeli soldiers were filmed praying with settlers; the military later vowed disciplinary measures for those involved [1].
On August 18, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported six Palestinians were injured after being beaten by Israeli forces and settlers near Nablus; all had been detained two days earlier [2]. Witnesses said Israeli soldiers handcuffed 11 Palestinians and handed them over to settlers who then beat them during clashes in Beit Imrin, near Nablus [2].
The United Nations warned earlier in August that violence by Israeli occupiers in the West Bank has reached unprecedented levels, with over 1,430 attacks on Palestinians and their property recorded since the start of 2026 [2].
Israel’s far-right government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces elections in October amid escalating settler violence in the West Bank [3]. The United States has requested that the Israeli military take action, as one of the besieged Palestinians is an American citizen [1].
The situation remains tense as settlers continue the siege, with military deployments ongoing but no forceful eviction reported. The international community and local groups await further developments.
