'Act of terror': U.S. condemns Israeli settler siege of Palestinian homes in West Bank

Key Points:

• The U.S. condemned Israeli settlers' siege of Palestinian homes in the West Bank, where settlers cut off water, electricity, and supplies, with U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee calling the actions an "act of terror."
• The siege, involving settlers surrounding and trapping Palestinian families in Qusra, follows recent attacks including the burning of village mosques with threatening messages.
• The UN reports a sharp increase in Israeli settler attacks this year, with over 1,400 incidents displacing thousands of Palestinians and killing more than 75, while Israeli officials cite numerous Palestinian attacks and arrests of settlers.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned violence from both sides but described settler violence as juvenile delinquency, and Israel's government recently vowed to expand control in the West Bank despite international criticism.
• After U.S. pressure, Israeli forces intervened by evacuating the besieged Ridi family and dismantling illegal settler outposts, but settlers remain present near the family home, highlighting ongoing tensions and violence.