In a thrilling episode of 'Who Can Make the West Bank More Complicated?', activists attempted to deliver water and food to Palestinian families in Qusra who have been under siege by Israeli settlers since Sunday. The supplies were left near the homes of the Abu Ridi and Hassan families, who have had their power and water cut off, because apparently, cutting off basic utilities is a legitimate negotiation tactic now.

Two residents claim Israeli forces blocked the activists from handing over the aid directly, forcing them to abandon the supplies outside. The IDF, in a move that surprises no one, denied this, insisting that aid wasn't prevented - just that Israeli civilians couldn't enter the 'closed military zone.' Because nothing says 'we're helping' like declaring a closed military zone around a civilian area.

Meanwhile, settlers returned to erect a tent near the site, a day after being dispersed. The IDF, ever the responsible adults in the room, removed it, claiming they were 'protecting the local residents.' This comes after about a dozen households, including members of the Abu Ridi and Hassan families, were told to vacate their properties during Thursday's dispersal operation. Qusra Mayor Abdul Azim Wadi told the BBC that Israeli forces are now using some of the vacated homes as barracks. Because who needs a home when the military can have a sleepover?

The saga began Sunday when settlers blocked roads and cut off power and water. The first Israeli soldiers to arrive prayed with the settlers - an act for which they'll be disciplined. Because praying with the people causing the problem is totally fine, as long as you say sorry. An attempt to dislodge the settlers on Wednesday led to confrontations, with security forces using tear gas and stun grenades. Palestinian security camera video shows the chaos, because of course there's video.

What do the settlers want? Unclear, but historically, they've forced Palestinians out and seized properties. Their stated aim is to empty the area of Palestinians. Settlements are illegal under international law, but the Israeli government has promoted their rapid expansion. This case highlights the impunity of settlers and the IDF's struggle to deal with rising settler violence.

Since January 2023, 127 Palestinian communities have experienced full or partial displacement, including 47 entirely displaced, affecting over 6,390 Palestinians, per the UN. In 2026, about 3,800 Palestinians have been displaced due to settler violence, demolitions, and evictions - nearly half of them children. But hey, at least the IDF is praying.