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Israeli military installs roadblocks near West Bank village of Qusra

New gates and barriers placed by Israeli forces on Ras al-Ain hill further restrict access for residents around three homes besieged since early August.

The short version

  • Israeli authorities installed three new roadblocks featuring metal gates and concrete blocks on Ras al-Ain hill in the West Bank village of Qusra.
  • The barriers encircle three Palestinian homes that have been besieged by Israeli settlers since August 9, cutting off movement and surrounding land.
  • Israeli forces designated the area a closed military zone, preventing residents from leaving or accessing agricultural land while soldiers remain stationed at checkpoints.
  • Residents fear the military infrastructure will permanently entrench restrictions on their movement and land access.

Key facts

  • Israeli forces erected three new roadblocks made of metal gates and concrete blocks at the Ras al-Ain hill in Qusra.[Al Jazeera]
  • Three Palestinian homes on the hill have been under a siege by Israeli settlers since August 9.[Al Jazeera]
  • Israeli military personnel declared the surrounding area a closed military zone.[Al Jazeera]
  • Palestinian-American resident Loui Ridi reported being unable to leave his home since arriving on August 17.[Al Jazeera]
  • Local resident Abdel Hakim Wadi lost access to approximately one hectare of land containing olive, almond, and fig trees, as well as a water well occupied by settlers.[Al Jazeera]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether Israeli authorities plan to maintain the roadblocks permanently or lift the closed military zone status in the future.[Al Jazeera]

Sources