Israeli authorities set up three new roadblocks at the Ras al-Ain hill in the northern occupied West Bank village of Qusra on Wednesday, impacting access for local residents. The gates, made of large yellow and orange metal bars, have been installed at the entrances of many villages in the West Bank and have increased since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023. The Israeli military controls access to these gates.
Prior to the new installations, Israeli soldiers had already placed a gate at the main entrance of Qusra, forcing Palestinians to seek alternative routes, which are often closed. Since August 9, three homes in Qusra have been under siege by Israeli settlers, drawing international attention. Israeli forces have declared the area a closed military zone, effectively continuing the siege and trapping locals in their homes.
Abdel Hakim Wadi, a local resident, expressed concern that the new roadblocks would permanently restrict access to his land, which contains over 100 olive trees and a water well that settlers have taken over. He noted that the gates are positioned to encircle the homes and disconnect them from the surrounding area.
Loui Ridi, a Palestinian-American who returned to Qusra to defend his property, stated that he has been unable to leave his home since August 17 due to the presence of Israeli soldiers. Ridi, along with other residents, has called on the US embassy and the international community to intervene and end the siege, expressing frustration over the lack of action despite international condemnation of the situation.
Wadi fears that even if the military zone designation is lifted, the gates will prevent him from accessing his land. He believes that Israel's strategy is to gradually take more land in the West Bank.