QUSRA, West Bank — Loui Ridi, a Palestinian-American landlord from Ohio, traveled to the West Bank to confront a protracted siege on his property by Israeli settlers. For more than a week, settlers have encircled several homes in the village of Qusra, preventing Palestinian residents from leaving.

The United States criticized the siege, while the Israeli military deployed troops to maintain order. This escalation is part of a recent surge in violence in the West Bank. Settlers, encouraged by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government, have intensified their attacks on Palestinian communities. They have set fire to homes, mosques, and fields. According to Palestinian health officials, Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed 87 Palestinians this year. In contrast, Palestinians have killed three Israelis, including two deaths during recent clashes in the village of Tell.

Loui Ridi arrived in Israel as settlers continued their activities near Qusra. Footage from his brother showed settlers on ATVs interacting with soldiers. Ridi, watching events remotely via home security cameras, said, “I’ve been watching this live for many days. I can’t sleep.” Determined not to lose his property, he reunited with his family in Qusra before reaching his besieged home, where his brother Qusai Abu Rida and Ridi’s teenage son were defending the property.

Israel had declared the area around Ridi’s home a closed military zone. Despite this, footage showed soldiers conversing with settlers. Ridi expressed frustration, saying, “I should be able to go to my house freely, anytime I want. It is a frustration and a nightmare for the entire family.”