Now Reading: US envoy calls settler siege of Palestinian home ‘terror’
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US envoy calls settler siege of Palestinian home ‘terror’
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Thursday denounced as a 'horrific act of terror' the siege by Jewish settlers of an American Palestinian family's home in Qusra, West Bank. Since August…
The Story in Brief
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Thursday denounced as a 'horrific act of terror' the siege by Jewish settlers of an American Palestinian family's home in Qusra, West Bank. Since August 9, settlers have blockaded the house, cutting off food and water to the occupants, who included a 48-year-old man and his teenage son.
The Israeli military intervened at Washington's request, dismantling two illegal outposts and sending extra troops. The owner, Lou Ridi of Ohio, said his brother and nephew were evacuated on Thursday. Huckabee, a longtime supporter of settlements, faces criticism for the rare rebuke amid rising settler violence since the October 7, 2023 attack.
The Indian Opinion
Huckabee's condemnation is striking but smells of damage control. His post came only after the family's US citizenship drew American attention; no such outrage follows routine settler violence against ordinary Palestinians. The test is whether Washington follows words with actions, such as halting military aid to Israel or pressing for prosecution of the attackers. Will the US embassy name any settlers or push for their arrest?
Sources (2): thehindu.com, indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
