On August 26, 2026, Israeli forces erected a metal gate surrounding the residence of Lou Ridi, a Palestinian American, in the village of Qusra, located south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. The gate, which blocks the main entrance to the home, prevents direct access to the property and requires residents to enter through a side path, according to local reports. The installation was carried out without prior warning and without a demolition or seizure order being presented to the family.
Qusra has been a focal point of tension in recent years, with frequent clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinian villagers. The village is located near several Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law. The Israeli military has periodically sealed off sections of the village, citing security concerns, including stone-throwing attacks on Israeli vehicles and settlers.
The Ridi family, who hold U.S. citizenship, have been in a prolonged legal battle with Israeli authorities over the status of their home. Lou Ridi's father, a retired U.S. businessman, purchased the land decades ago and built the house, which the family uses during visits. Israeli authorities have claimed the structure was built without proper permits, a common justification for demolition or sealing orders in Area C of the West Bank, where Israel retains full military and administrative control.
The installation of the gate is the latest escalation in a pattern of Israeli measures to restrict Palestinian movement and building in the occupied territories. While Israeli officials argue these actions are necessary for security and to enforce planning laws, Palestinian leaders and human rights groups view them as part of a systematic effort to displace Palestinians and facilitate settlement expansion.
As of now, the Israeli military has not issued an official statement regarding the specific installation in Qusra. The U.S. State Department has been contacted for comment on the situation of the Palestinian American family.