Palestinian-American raises US flag at besieged West Bank home, calls for American intervention
Louai Abu Ridi flew back from Ohio and hoisted the Stars and Stripes at his Qusra house after Israeli settlers blocked entry and supplies for more than a week, urging the United States to act.
Louai Abu Ridi, a Palestinian-American who owns one of three homes in Qusra near Nablus, returned from Ohio and raised the US flag outside his house after settlers surrounded the property and denied residents food and other supplies for over a week. He explained that the flag is intended to draw attention from Americans to the siege and to press the US embassy to intervene on his behalf. Following renewed US criticism, the Israeli military announced orders to dismantle the settlers’ encampment, but troops only removed a tent and detained one Israeli, while the settlers kept returning on foot and by vehicle.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, an evangelical pastor known for supporting settlers, offered rare criticism, stating the United States is committed to defending its citizens and calling the settlers’ actions "terrorist activity" that should face severe consequences. Netanyahu’s right-wing government continues to back settlement growth ahead of the closely contested October 27 elections. Approximately 500,000 Israelis now live in West Bank settlements deemed illegal under international law, amid a Palestinian population of three million, with Israel having occupied the territory since the 1967 war.
Why it matters
The flag-raising spotlights settler violence and tests US diplomatic pressure on Israel over West Bank policies.
How this story developed
- Aug 12 Israeli airstrike wounds alleged Hamas commander in northern Gaza
- Aug 16 Hamas sources said a delegation will sit with Kushner, alongside Egyptian and Qatari officials, before his scheduled talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya traveled to El-Alamein, marking his first trip since assuming leadership. The United States has asked Hamas for clarifications on weapon storage and full relinquishment of Gaza governance. Israel continues airstrikes, reporting several injuries and a child casualty, while the Gaza health ministry cites over 1,262 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began.
- Aug 17 Kushner scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push the 15‑point Gaza plan after talks with Hamas leaders.
- Aug 17 After meetings with Board of Peace officials Nickolay Mladenov and Tony Blair, Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and obtained agreement to form two task forces—one on Gaza disarmament and another on sanitation and public health. The Israeli side will only proceed once Hamas begins demilitarization, while the Board of Peace stresses a lengthy timeline for full implementation. Hamas leader Khalil al Hayya was also engaged in Cairo, with Kushner urging the group to start the disarmament process.
- Aug 17 Kushner met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem following his discussion with Hamas leader Khalil al‑Hayya.
- Aug 18 Major General Jasper Jeffers was appointed to oversee the dismantling of Hamas weapons.
- Aug 18 Two joint working groups were established – a security panel to seize Hamas weapons for an American‑led stabilization force and a humanitarian panel to restore water, sanitation and health services.
- Aug 19 An Israeli drone strike killed Gaza City police chief Jamal Abu Kamil.
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