Palestinian Family in Qusra Faces Siege and Threat of Forced Displacement

Al Jazeera English

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Video Summary

Israeli soldiers and settlers have been jointly besieging Palestinian homes in Qusra for six days, preventing residents from accessing essential supplies like food, water, and electricity. Activist Jonathan Pollack, with the Sumud Network, attempted to deliver aid but was blocked by the army, who he accuses of implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing.

Qusayi Abu Raida, a resident trapped in his home, described the constant fear and uncertainty. He stated that the army is cooperating with settlers, not helping the besieged families, and appears to be forcing them to abandon their homes. The situation has left residents without basic necessities and under the constant threat of military intrusion, with soldiers positioned just meters away.

Short Highlights

Residents of Qusra are under siege by Israeli soldiers and settlers.
Aid delivery is being blocked by the Israeli army.
Families are trapped in their homes for six days without food, water, or electricity.
The army is accused of cooperating with settlers and implementing ethnic cleansing policies.
Residents live in constant fear of military intrusion and forced displacement.

Key Details

Siege in Qusra [0:00]

Activist Jonathan Pollack reports being prevented by Israeli soldiers from delivering aid to besieged Palestinians in Qusra.
He states that homes have been under siege by settlers and the army for five days, cutting off access to food, water, and medical aid.

"The Israeli army and Israeli settlers prevent them from doing that."

Accusations of Ethnic Cleansing [0:50]

Pollack alleges that the Israeli army and settlers are working together, implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing.
He draws a parallel to a similar incident a month prior in the village of Jalud, where settlers besieged a house and forced a family out.

"The soldiers and the army are implementing a single policy of ethnic cleansing."

Trapped Resident's Account [1:28]

Qusayi Abu Raida, a resident of Qusra, describes being surprised by settlers in front of his house.
He confirms that they are in need of food and medicine, and that activists attempting to help have been prevented from reaching them.

"We cannot go out and we cannot leave our homes."

Army's Role and Lack of Aid [2:30]

Abu Raida states that the army is cooperating with the settlers and not helping the besieged families.
He reports that for six days, the army has provided no assistance, leaving them without electricity, food, or potable water.

"The army hasn't provided us with any help."

Climate of Fear [4:45]

Abu Raida describes living under constant fear, with the possibility of the army storming their homes at any moment.
He expresses worry for his family and the constant threat of being forced to leave their homes, with soldiers just meters away.

"We have no security."