Story perspectives

Israeli Soldiers Declare Qusra Zone Closed After Standoff

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Loui Ridi returned to Qusra home on Monday, confronted settlers and raised a U.S. flag.
Israeli soldiers declared the area a closed military zone and ordered settlers out, a command the settlers ignored.
The United Nations said three families, about 15 people, were trapped without water or electricity.
Ridi asked U.S. embassy and a congressperson to pressure the settlers after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said only 150 “juveniles” were responsible.

History

Historical Context

In August 2005 Ariel Sharon’s unilateral disengagement removed all 21 Gaza settlements, evicting roughly 8,000 Israeli settlers. The plan left Israel controlling Gaza’s airspace and borders, a status the 2024 International Court of Justice still deems an occupation. The March 2024 Qusra incident, condemned by the United Nations and cited by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shows settlement expansion continues despite the disengagement.

1 of 2

Story summary

Loui Ridi returned to Qusra home on Monday, confronted settlers and raised a U.S. flag.
Israeli soldiers declared the area a closed military zone and ordered settlers out, a command the settlers ignored.
The United Nations said three families, about 15 people, were trapped without water or electricity.
Ridi asked U.S. embassy and a congressperson to pressure the settlers after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said only 150 “juveniles” were responsible.

1 / 2