IDF has yet to evacuate settlers' tent opposite Palestinian homes: "They are not leaving"
Two days of a "siege" on three houses in Qusra, according to the council head: despite security officials' claims of preparations to evacuate a tent where soldiers and settlers were filmed praying, it remains in place. Electricity is provided by a solar system, water supply is cut off, and residents are relying on neighbors for bread.
A day after IDF officials updated on preparations to evacuate a single tent, set up as a branch of the Tel Talpiot outpost near Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra, footage published today (Tuesday) shows it is still standing.
A security official stated: "In the last two days, three illegal outposts were evacuated in parallel with offensive activity in the area. The IDF is preparing to evacuate more outposts in the coming days in accordance with the situation assessment." Recently, branches have emerged from Tel Talpiot to establish several outposts in the area.
In the footage distributed yesterday, IDF soldiers were seen praying alongside settlers staying at the outpost in Qusra, whose presence led to tension with the Palestinian residents. Following the publication, the IDF Spokesperson stated: "The documented incident is being investigated by the commanders. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the findings."
The head of the Qusra council, Abd al-Azim Wadi, told Ynet that the settlers are still at the site. According to him, there has been no change in the situation: "The settlers are there continuously, and their number varies between 10 and 16 people. It is not just one tent, but several tents and several locations. Between two of the locations there is a distance of about 200–250 meters." He also claimed that the settlers took over another structure belonging to a resident of Salfit.
"They are not leaving the place," Wadi added. "The road is open, and vehicles arrive and leave, bringing food, water, and equipment to the settlers. At the same time, the water in the Palestinian family's house is still cut off by the local water company. Electricity is supplied via a solar system." Regarding food, Wadi said one resident ran out of bread and had to take some from a neighbor. "The family is still dealing with medical difficulties, two of the girls need medical treatment," he said.
Yesterday, the Qusra council head stated: "There is a siege on three houses. We cannot bring them food, the settlers cut off the electricity." He claimed the outpost was established about half a year ago in the residents' yard. "This area is in Area B, not C. Yesterday they set up tents in the yard and cut off the electricity," he said, noting that residents are struggling to receive basic supplies.
Qusra is located near the village of Jalud, where similar incidents occurred until Palestinian residents left. Last month, Jalud resident Qais Abad said he could not leave his home: "The moment I go out, they will beat me. They are in the entire complex of our house." He added that he and his brother were forced to move their families to a safer place after receiving threats: "I told him I don't want to sell the house. He told me: 'If you don't sell, you will probably die'."
