Besieged

The siege of three homes has forced a West Bank village into lockdown.

Israeli settler extremists began camping outside three Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra on Sunday, trapping them inside while cutting off homes’ power and water. The siege escalates a push to build more settlements in the Palestinian territory, which is illegal under international law but rarely punished by Israel. An Israeli spokesperson called the recent actions “deplorable,” saying the IDF was deployed to “protect the residents” of the West Bank.

The offenders, whose stated aim is to empty the West Bank of Palestinian residents, were removed from their outposts yesterday but still lingered in the village.

One of the besieged homes belongs to a Palestinian-American. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the “thuggish behavior” and requested Israeli authorities dislodge “Israeli terrorists.”

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PRAY WITH US
Father Who Brings Order from Chaos, quiet the unrest that is ruling on these streets. Spirit of Peace, subdue the violence that crushes your image bearers. Son Who Forgave His Most Bitter Enemies, interrupt cycles of hatred with radical love.

Bring hateful and violent dehumanizations to a sudden end; stabilize those who are mourning trampled identity, daily instability and danger, and collapse of livelihood. Give leaders wisdom and humility to pursue order, safety, and dignity for all people. Strengthen the military to walk in righteousness and courage, and help the international community engage constructively for the flourishing of these peoples and the entire region. Amen. (read full prayer here)