Palestinian-American in West Bank says Israeli permission needed to visit family

A Palestinian-American man whose West Bank home has been surrounded by Israeli soldiers for over a week says he cannot leave his property or return without prior approval from Israeli authorities.

Loui Ridi, a 46-year-old from Ohio, is sheltering in his house in the northern West Bank village of Qusra, about 16 kilometers from Nablus. His extended family lives throughout the village, including his 83-year-old mother, who resides just five minutes away.

"We — all of us — are actually unable to leave this house and come back freely," Ridi told reporters on Wednesday. He said he has repeatedly asked to see his mother, sister, and brother, but was told he must coordinate with the Israeli military's District Coordination Office (DCO) for each visit. "That to me is ridiculous," he said.

Ridi flew in on Monday to join his brother and teenage nephew, who have been holed up inside the home as food and water supplies have run low. The area has been declared a closed military zone, and residents fear that leaving could put them in danger or prevent their return.

Ridi said he is concerned that once the military and media presence diminishes, settlers could attempt another takeover of his home. While no settlers were visible on Wednesday, he noted a van linked to settlers remained on a hill above his house.

Israeli authorities said the military was deployed to restore order after condemning settler violence last week. One person was detained, though no arrests in Qusra have been announced.

The United States has condemned the siege, but Ridi said his requests for Washington to press Israel on his freedom of movement have gone unanswered. He added that he has received support from Americans, including members of the Jewish community in Toledo, Ohio, where he has lived for 23 years, who have condemned the settler violence.

"There's a message that as the Palestinians and Jews, yes, we can live together in Toledo in peace," Ridi said. "Why can't it be happening here?"

Ridi also described the fear among children in the village, saying he heard young girls crying at 3 a.m. "They live in fear here," he said. "They don't even know what's going on."

The Israeli military allowed journalists to enter the closed zone for Wednesday's press conference but did not permit travel to other homes where Palestinians have been stuck since August 9.