Israeli troops dismantled two illegal settlement outposts on the outskirts of the Palestinian villages of Qusra and Jalud in the occupied West Bank, the army said, freeing families who had been trapped inside their homes by Israeli settlers. One Israeli was arrested and equipment was confiscated during the operation, according to the military. The outposts had been used by settlers to block Palestinian families from leaving their homes.
Palestinian families say they have been trapped since Sunday, with water and power cut off. Reports differ on the number of affected families: the BBC says two families are trapped, while Al Jazeera reports three families are cut off from food and supplies.
Al Jazeera also reported that a US diplomat called the siege an act of terror. The BBC reported that more troops were being sent to the area.