Loui Ridi confronts Israeli settlers blocking his West Bank home

Loui Ridi, a Palestinian‑American who had lived in the United States for the past decade, returned to his hometown of Qusra in the West Bank on Tuesday and confronted a group of Israeli settlers who had encircled his property, even though the Israeli army was already on the scene. The confrontation happened after the settlers had blocked access to Ridi’s house for more than a week, raising fears that he could lose his land.

Qusra sits just outside the Israeli settlement of Gush Etzion, a hotspot for settler violence and land disputes. Since early 2023, the village has been repeatedly targeted by settlers who claim the land is part of the “Greater Jerusalem” plan. The Israeli military has deployed troops to the area, but so far has not removed the settlers or restored access for the residents. The situation reflects a broader pattern of settler encirclements that have been documented by human‑rights groups and the UN, who argue that such actions violate international law.

Ridi’s confrontation was described as tense but non‑violent. He stood on his property with a small group of neighbors, demanding that the settlers leave. Local villagers said the settlers had already damaged the property and blocked the road, making it impossible for Ridi to sell or maintain his home. Israeli army spokespeople said the troops were monitoring the situation, but did not intervene in the direct dispute. Human‑rights organisations have called for an independent investigation into the encirclement and for the army to enforce property rights for Palestinians.

The incident has drawn attention from international observers and has prompted calls for a review of Israeli settlement policy in the West Bank. Ridi has said he will pursue legal action against the settlers and the Israeli state. The Israeli government has yet to comment on the specific case, but the broader conflict over land and security in the West Bank continues to intensify, with more Palestinian families facing similar threats to their homes.