From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Another Palestinian family is trapped by settlers since Sunday: ‘If we run out of food, we’ll leave’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleNurit Yohanan is The Times of Israel's Palestinian and Arab world correspondent
Qusai Abu Ridi, a Palestinian who moved into his brother’s home on the outskirts of Qusra four months ago, has been trapped there with his son by settlers since Sunday.
He tells The Times of Israel that no one has been able to enter or leave the house because of an outpost settlers established near the entrance. According to Abu Ridi, it is the same outpost that has also left Youssef Hassan’s family trapped in their adjacent home for days.
Hassan’s home, where he lives with his wife and their two young daughters, has been blocked by settlers since Sunday. Journalists and activists who have attempted to reach the family in recent days have been prevented from doing so by settlers and IDF troops.
The IDF told The Times of Israel earlier today that the area of Qusra where the homes are located has been under a closed military zone order since June, barring Israelis and foreign nationals from entering due to the establishment of outposts in the area. The IDF did not respond when asked why troops have not removed the settlers from the area despite the order.
Abu Ridi said his brother, who owns the house, lives in the United States. He moved into the property after settler attacks in which security cameras were smashed and further damage was caused, saying he wanted to stay there to protect the house.
He and his 18-year-old son have now been trapped inside since Sunday, he said.
Abu Ridi says settlers have cut the home’s water and electricity lines in recent days. He adds that from the house, he can see IDF troops coming and going from the area where the settlers are gathered several times a day.
“Even someone in prison is given food. We have no food,” he says. “In the end, if they don’t provide us with food, we’ll leave.”
Meanwhile, the left-wing Yesh Din organization sent an urgent appeal today to IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, demanding that the outpost be evacuated, that its residents be prevented from remaining there, and that the safety of the Palestinians trapped in their homes be ensured.
The Times of Israel Community.