The Palestinian-American owner of a house in Qusra, near Nablus, said he was "terrified" as he returned to a property that settlers had surrounded for more than a week and asked the U.S. embassy for protection. His brother remained inside and shared videos showing settlers on quad bikes while Israeli forces stood outside. Abu Ridi criticized the military's response and called for concrete on-the-ground action beyond social media condemnation. A U.S. diplomat publicly denounced the settlers' actions.
Palestinian-American 'Terrified' As He Returns To West Bank Home Surrounded By Settlers, Calls For U.S. Protection
US-Palestinian dual citizen Louai Abu Ridi, whose home in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra is besieged by Israeli settlers, speaks to reporters upon arrival at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport (AHMAD GHARABLI)
The Palestinian-American owner of a home in Qusra, near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, said he was "terrified" as he returned to the property on Monday after settlers had surrounded it for more than a week. Louai Abu Ridi appealed directly to U.S. officials and the U.S. embassy to provide protection for his family.
Abu Ridi owns one of three houses in Qusra that settlers have been besieging—an action that has trapped residents inside and restricted supplies, drawing international condemnation. His brother, Qusai Abu Ridi, remained inside the house and has been sharing video updates with journalists and rights groups.
On Monday, Qusai shared footage with AFP showing settlers riding quad bikes past the house while Israeli forces were positioned outside. After landing at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, Louai told reporters he had been unable to sleep for days and feared for his family's safety.
"I've been watching this live for many days and now this is the second week I can't sleep," Louai Abu Ridi said. "I can't let the settlers steal my house while I was watching."
He said he planned to stay in the house that night and described the prospect as "terrifying," adding: "I'm asking the U.S. officials, the embassy, to provide me protection." He also expressed concern for his brother and nephew and questioned whether he would be able to come and go freely from his own home.
Later on Monday, Abu Ridi's brother reported that Louai had reached the house, accompanied by journalists. Abu Ridi criticized the Israeli military's apparent inability to remove the small group of settlers and urged stronger, on-the-ground measures rather than only social media condemnations.
"It's time for everyone to act. I heard a saying in America, 'talk the talk and walk the walk.' If people condemn this on social media, they should support action on the ground," he said.
A U.S. diplomat in Israel issued unusually strong criticism of the incident on social media, describing the settlers' actions as "horrific" and "disgusting." The situation remained tense as residents, journalists and rights groups pushed for immediate protections and clearer responses from authorities.
Context: Qusra is a village near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, where clashes and confrontations involving settlers, Palestinian residents and Israeli forces have periodically occurred. Human-rights groups say sieges of private homes raise serious concerns about intimidation, access to food and medical care, and protection for civilians.
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