Palestinian-American Loui Ridi found himself in a distressing situation as he watched from Ohio while Israeli settlers surrounded his home in Qusra, a village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. For over a week, Ridi monitored the unsettling events through security cameras.
Settler encroachments on Palestinian properties in the West Bank have been a longstanding issue. In recent years, these incidents have increased, coinciding with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s promises to support new settler outposts and legitimize existing ones.
Determined to reclaim his home, Ridi, 46, reported he traveled to Tel Aviv. He aimed to return to his hometown and address the siege imposed by settlers on his property and others in the area. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee labeled the agitators as “terrorists,” marking a stark criticism of their actions.
Reuters provided coverage of Ridi’s journey as he sought to reach his family in Qusra, a location often targeted by settlers. Upon reaching the village, he encountered both settlers and Israeli military presence. With the assistance of an Israeli military vehicle, Ridi, accompanied by several journalists, arrived at his family home, where he raised an American flag on the rooftop.
“The settlers shouldn’t be here,” stated Ridi, signifying his stance on their presence.
Increasing Settler Violence
While international law deems all Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, Israel contests this, considering many settlements lawful by domestic standards and asserting the region as disputed territory. The political climate under Netanyahu’s government has empowered settler activities, further fueling the violence documented by CBS News and corroborated by the United Nations since an escalation of tensions in 2023.
Living Under Siege
Ridi constructed his home in Qusra on family land starting in 2023, intending to offer his daughters a connection to their roots. However, his brother Qusay and a nephew have remained in the house under severe conditions, defending it from settlers while deprived of basic necessities like running water and electricity.
The U.N. reports that 15 Palestinians, including children, are trapped in Qusra homes due to settler blockades. Between January 2017 and September 2025, more than 1,500 Palestinians reportedly died in the West Bank due to violence from both settlers and Israeli forces.
When asked about his plans, Ridi expressed his desire to reunite with his brother and assess their situation.