Several Palestinian families in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra have been forced to leave their homes during an Israeli military operation following a confrontation with Israeli settlers. The situation began on Sunday when Israeli settlers surrounded three Palestinian homes belonging to the Abu Ridi and Hassan families. According to the families, the settlers blocked access to their homes and cut off their water and electricity. The families were left inside their houses with limited access to basic services. The homes are located in Qusra, a Palestinian village southeast of Nablus. The village has experienced repeated tensions and attacks involving Israeli settlers in recent years. On Thursday, residents of two of the three homes were told by Israeli forces to leave. The families then moved into the third house, where other members of the families were staying. Residents of other homes in the area were also ordered to leave. Qusra Mayor Abdel Azim Wadi said about a dozen Palestinian households were affected. He said the village had been declared a closed military zone and that Israeli soldiers were using some of the empty Palestinian homes as temporary military positions. One resident, Qaher Odeh, said more than 20 Israeli soldiers entered his home. The soldiers later returned and told him and his brother that the area had become a military post and that they had to leave. Odeh said many other people were also being forced out of their homes. After leaving, residents were moved toward another part of the neighborhood while security forces sealed off the area. The Israeli military said its operation was intended to protect residents and remove Israeli settlers from the area. The Israel Defense Forces said they had dismantled two illegal settler outposts and detained one Israeli person. Equipment was also confiscated near Qusra and the nearby village of Jalud. An Israeli government spokesman described the settlers' actions as unacceptable. He said authorities were investigating the incident and would arrest and prosecute those responsible. The confrontation became more serious after Israeli forces tried to remove the settlers on Wednesday. Videos from the area showed clashes between Israeli soldiers, border police and a larger group of settlers. Israeli forces used tear gas and stun grenades during the confrontation. Palestinian residents said some settlers remained near the homes even after the military operation began. Qusay Abu Ridi, one of the family members trapped inside the houses, said the property was attacked again overnight. The family had previously appealed for help after their water and electricity supplies were cut. The owner of one of the properties is a Palestinian-American businessman who had contacted the US embassy about the situation. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee also criticized the settlers' actions, describing the intimidation of the Palestinian family as a serious and unacceptable act. The incident has once again drawn attention to rising violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Palestinian communities and international organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about attacks, home takeovers, evictions and the expansion of Israeli settlements. Under international law, Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal. Israel disputes this position and says it has historical and legal claims to the land. The situation in Qusra is also part of a wider pattern. Local residents say the village has faced repeated attacks. Last month, a newly completed mosque was set on fire, with Hebrew graffiti reportedly found nearby. Another Palestinian family in the nearby village of Jalud was also surrounded by settlers in July. The siege reportedly continued for more than two weeks. The owners eventually left the property, and settlers later took control of the house. According to United Nations figures cited in the report, dozens of Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank this year by Israeli forces or settlers. Thousands of Palestinians have also been displaced in recent years because of settler violence, demolitions and evictions. The UN says more than 6,390 Palestinians have been affected by full or partial displacement since January 2023, with dozens of Palestinian communities experiencing serious disruption. In 2026 alone, about 3,800 Palestinians have reportedly been displaced, nearly half of them children. The Qusra incident highlights the difficult situation faced by Palestinians living near Israeli settlements and outposts. Residents say they fear losing their homes and land, while Israeli authorities say they are taking action against illegal settler activity. For the families affected in Qusra, the immediate concern remains returning safely to their homes and restoring access to water, electricity and other basic services. The incident has also increased calls for stronger action to prevent settler violence and protect Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.